Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1708

Introduced

9/22/23

Refer

9/22/23

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill's potential impact lies predominantly in its directives regarding school safety and stability. By providing clear guidelines on the prohibition of weapons within school premises and enhancing oversight, it is anticipated that overall student safety will improve. Additionally, the creation of programs aimed at diversion could lead to more supportive and rehabilitative measures for students facing challenges, rather than punitive responses. The changes may bring about a transformative approach to how students in facilities are integrated into the educational system.

Summary

House Bill 1708 focuses on several critical areas of education and student safety within public schools. The bill establishes definitions relevant to educational oversight of students placed in facilities, emphasizes reporting requirements related to school safety, and creates the School-Based Diversion Programs Fund. Furthermore, it aims to enhance the powers and duties of school security personnel while also delineating limitations regarding their action in proceedings and arrests. The bill could significantly impact policies governing how schools manage safety and education for specific populations of students, particularly those with adjudicated backgrounds.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding HB 1708 is moderately supportive, particularly among advocates for educational reform and student safety. Many see it as a necessary step to ensure more robust protections for students and to address the unique needs of those with adjudicated histories. However, there are also concerns about the implementation of new regulations and the adequacy of resources allocated to these initiatives.

Contention

Notable points of contention include debates over the balance between safeguarding student rights and managing school safety. Critics express apprehension over the potential overreach into student privacy and the effectiveness of regulations aimed at ensuring the availability of safe environments for learning. Furthermore, discussions surrounding the appropriate responses to student behavior in facilities and adherence to educational standards continue to be contentious areas as stakeholders seek to strike an acceptable balance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HB1616

In pupils and attendance, further providing for possession of weapons prohibited; and, in safe schools, further providing for sworn statement and for transfer of records.

PA HB857

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

PA HB178

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in taxation by school districts, further providing for school district tax notices.

PA HB325

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in taxation by school districts, further providing for school district tax notices.

PA HB659

In school finances, further providing for distress in school districts of the first class; in grounds and buildings, further providing for public hearing prior to closing school; and, in pupils and attendance, providing for conditions for closing schools.

PA HB1779

In safe schools, further providing for definitions, for reporting, for policy relating to bullying and for maintenance of records; and, in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions and for Safe2Say Program and providing for reporting and remediating bullying.

PA HB1253

In student supports, further providing for definitions and for student supports; and, in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for duties of committee, for standardized protocols and for reporting and memorandum of understanding.

PA HB1908

In school safety and security, further providing for school safety and security coordinator; and, in school security, further providing for duties of commission and providing for school security personnel.

PA SB1318

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code and providing for handwriting instruction required; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

Similar Bills

TX HB4651

Relating to the period for which a public school student may be placed in a disciplinary alternative education program or expelled.

TX HB156

Relating to establishing a pilot program in designated public high schools in certain municipalities for placement of students in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs as an alternative to placement in disciplinary or juvenile justice alternative education programs.