Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1046

Introduced
4/28/23  

Caption

In educational tax credits, further providing for school participation in program.

Impact

The impact of HB 1046 on state laws is significant as it would establish a legal requirement for nonpublic schools to adopt inclusive practices. By mandating a non-discrimination policy, the bill seeks to foster a more equitable educational environment. The implication here could be broader acceptance of diverse student backgrounds within educational institutions, ultimately affecting how educational programs are implemented across the state. Schools may need to adapt their policies and training programs to comply with these new criteria.

Summary

House Bill 1046 amends the Public School Code of 1949, specifically concerning educational tax credits and school participation criteria. The bill aims to ensure that nonpublic schools participating in these programs maintain a non-discrimination policy based on gender identity and sexual orientation. This addition is designed to enhance inclusivity within the educational sector in Pennsylvania, promoting equal access and protection for all students regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1046 has generated both support and opposition. Proponents, including various advocacy groups for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in education, view the bill as a crucial step forward in ensuring protections for marginalized student populations. They argue that this kind of inclusion is vital for creating supportive learning environments. Conversely, opponents express concerns regarding potential implications for religious or private institutions that may have specific doctrines regarding gender and sexuality, arguing that such mandates could infringe on their autonomy and rights.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1046 center on the balance between supporting marginalized groups and protecting the rights of religious and private schools. Critics contend that the requirement for nonpublic schools to adopt these policies could violate principles of religious freedom and personal conscience. This creates a tension between state intervention to protect individual rights and the rights of schools to operate according to their beliefs. The debate surrounding these issues highlights broader societal discussions about equality, inclusion, and the role of government in regulating educational environments.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB554

In educational tax credits, further providing for school participation in program.

PA SB496

In educational tax credits, further providing for school participation in program.

PA SB661

In educational tax credits, further providing for limitations.

PA SB757

In Treasury Department, establishing the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success Scholarship Program and the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success Scholarship Fund; in bonus and tax reports and returns and reports and records relating to tax collections, further providing for confidential information; in tax credits, further providing for Department of Community and Economic Development; in 2022-2023 budget implementation, further providing for Department of Education; and making a repeal.

PA HB1555

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in pupils and attendance, providing for educational oversight for juveniles in facilities, further providing for possession of weapons prohibited and providing for placement of certain adjudicated students; in safe schools, further providing for definitions and for reporting and providing for School-Based Diversion Programs Fund; in school security, further providing for powers and duties and providing for limitations on proceedings and arrest; and, in school districts of the first class, repealing provisions relating to placement of certain adjudicated students.

PA SB706

In educational tax credits, further providing for limitations.

PA SB843

In preliminary provisions, further providing for Special Education Funding Commission, for Basic Education Funding Commission and for Commission on Education and Economic Competitiveness and providing for public job posting database, for instructional vacancy data and for data transparency; providing for Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact; in drug and alcohol recovery high school program, further providing for scope of program and selection of students, providing for enrollment of students and further providing for academic programs; in terms and courses of study, further providing for Economic Education and Personal Financial Literacy Programs; in early learning programs, providing for quarterly reporting; in high schools, further providing for attendance in other districts; in educational tax credits, further providing for definitions; in credit card marketing, further providing for regulation of on-campus credit card marketing; in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for assistance to school districts declared to be in financial recovery status or identified for financial watch status; and abrogating regulations.

PA HB1708

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in pupils and attendance, providing for educational oversight for students in facilities, further providing for possession of weapons prohibited and providing for school stability for certain students; in safe schools, further providing for definitions and for reporting and establishing the School-Based Diversion Programs Fund; in school security, further providing for powers and duties and providing for limitations on proceedings and arrest; and, in school districts of the first class, repealing provisions relating to placement of certain adjudicated students.

PA HB857

In safe schools, further providing for definitions, for Office for Safe Schools and for reporting.

PA SB647

In terms and courses of study, further providing for Economic Education and Personal Financial Literacy Programs; in credit card marketing, further providing for regulation of on-campus credit card marketing; and abrogating regulations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.