Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1686

Introduced
9/19/23  

Caption

Requiring disclosure of mandatory fees by institutions of higher education.

Impact

This bill is expected to significantly impact state laws regarding the financial practices of higher education institutions. Specifically, it mandates that institutions report on the total amount of mandatory fees collected and how those fees are allocated each academic year. The requirement for annual reporting to the Department of Education (DOE) will introduce a layer of accountability, ensuring that the institutions adhere to transparency protocols and potentially reducing the incidence of unexpected costs for students.

Summary

House Bill 1686, known as the Student Fee Transparency Act, aims to enhance the disclosure of mandatory fees imposed by institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania. By requiring these institutions to clearly display descriptions of all mandatory fees on their publicly accessible websites and student portals, the bill seeks to inform students about what they are paying for and how the funds will be utilized. The intent behind this legislation is to promote transparency in the financial obligations students face beyond tuition, room, and board fees, and to help them make more informed decisions regarding their education expenses.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 1686 appears to be supportive among lawmakers and education advocates who emphasize the importance of financial transparency for students. Proponents argue that the bill could prevent financial burdens from catching students off guard, thus fostering a more equitable educational environment. However, there are concerns from critics about the administrative burden on institutions to comply with the new reporting requirements, which they argue may redirect resources away from other vital educational services.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential for increased administrative costs for institutions and how the bill will be enforced. Critics argue that the added reporting requirements may disproportionately affect smaller institutions that may struggle with compliance due to limited resources. Additionally, there are debates around the appropriateness of mandatory fees themselves and whether some of these costs should be included in tuition to improve overall clarity for students regarding their educational expenses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1248

Providing for institutions of higher education.

PA HB1341

Relating to the manner of payment of tuition and mandatory fees at public institutions of higher education.

PA HB2398

In transfers of credits between institutions of higher education, further providing for definitions and for duties of public institutions of higher education, providing for guaranteed admission, for reports to General Assembly and for dispute resolution and further providing for Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee, for duties of department and for applicability; in higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for definitions and providing for student fee transparency; and providing for institutions of higher education and Dual Credit Innovation and Equity Grant Program.

PA SB1030

Higher educational institutions, public; duties of governing board, student tuition and fees.

PA HB611

Institutions of Higher Education - Mandatory Disclosures for New and Prospective Students (Informed Enrollment Act)

PA SB713

Institutions of Higher Education - Mandatory Disclosures for New and Prospective Students (Informed Enrollment Act)

PA SB174

Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.

PA HB688

Establishing the PA Teacher Pipeline Scholarship Program; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and certain institutions of higher education.

PA SB1154

Providing for institutions of higher education and for Performance-based Funding Council.

PA SB537

Relating to requiring the disclosure of special course fees at public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

TX HB4548

Relating to the creation and operations of health care provider participation programs in certain counties.

TX HB1341

Relating to the manner of payment of tuition and mandatory fees at public institutions of higher education.

TX SB1073

Relating to the operations of health care provider participation programs in certain counties.

TX HB1142

Relating to the creation and operations of health care provider participation programs in certain counties.

TX HB3954

Relating to the creation and operations of health care provider participation programs in certain counties.

TX SB1429

Relating to the creation and operations of health care provider participation programs in certain counties.

TX HB3398

Relating to the creation and operations of health care provider participation programs in certain counties.

TX HB2995

Relating to the creation and operations of health care provider participation programs in certain counties.