Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2101

Introduced
3/14/24  

Caption

In child protective services, providing for information for school districts.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2101 would modify existing state laws governing child protective services, placing an emphasis on the interaction between education and welfare systems. The bill seeks to address gaps in how information is communicated to schools, which can significantly impact the support system available to children under CPS. This change could enable schools to make informed decisions regarding resources and interventions needed for these students, ultimately fostering a more supportive environment.

Summary

House Bill 2101 focuses on enhancing the collaboration between child protective services (CPS) and school districts by facilitating the sharing of vital information. The bill aims to improve the educational outcomes for children involved with CPS, ensuring that schools have the necessary data to support these students effectively. Proponents argue that better communication and information-sharing protocols will lead to improved educational and social outcomes for children in vulnerable situations.

Sentiment

Supporters of HB 2101 express a positive sentiment towards the bill, viewing it as a necessary step to bridge the gap between child protection and education. They argue that empowering schools with relevant information aligns with a holistic approach to child welfare. Conversely, concerns have been raised regarding potential privacy issues and the efficacy of information-sharing practices, leading to a mixed perception among some stakeholders about the implications of the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions around the privacy of sensitive information and the responsibilities of both CPS and school districts in safeguarding this data. Opponents worry that changes could lead to unintended consequences where student confidentiality may be compromised. The debate encompasses broader themes surrounding child welfare policies and the need for systemic changes versus specific legislative amendments.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB249

Providing for school counseling services.

PA HB1805

Providing for school counseling services.

PA HB2110

In school safety and security, providing for trauma-informed records program; and imposing a penalty.

PA SB623

In school health services, providing for parent educational information regarding eating disorders.

PA SB816

In school health services, providing for parent educational information regarding eating disorders.

PA SB33

Providing for comprehensive school counseling services.

PA HB662

Providing for comprehensive school counseling services.

PA HB1665

Providing for comprehensive school counseling services.

PA SB33

Providing for comprehensive school counseling services.

PA HB27

In preliminary provisions, further providing for Basic Education Funding Commission and for special provisions applicable to limited school years, establishing the Child Reunification Program in the Department of Education and providing for minimum number of days or hours, for public job posting database, for instructional vacancy data and for data transparency; in duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for additional schools and departments; in school finances, providing for school district budget timeline for 2024 and for procedure for securing approval of electors; in grounds and buildings, further providing for limitation on new applications for Department of Education approval of public school building projects; in school directors' associations and county boards of school directors, further providing for powers and duties; in intermediate units, further providing for visual services and for school safety and security enhancements; in professional employees, repealing provisions relating to religious garb, insignia, etc., prohibited and penalty; in certification of teachers, further providing for substitute teaching permit for prospective teachers, for locally issued temporary certification for substitute teachers and for permit for classroom monitors; providing for Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program; in pupils and attendance, further providing for compulsory education of physical defectives, for dependent children, for cost of tuition and maintenance of certain exceptional children in approved institutions, for payment of cost of tuition and maintenance of certain exceptional children, for transfer of funds for transferal programs and for children under six with defective hearing and parent or guardian advised of schools, etc.; in safe schools, further providing for definitions and for Office for Safe Schools, repealing provisions relating to regulations and to reporting, further providing for policy relating to bullying and for maintenance of records, repealing provisions relating to safe schools advocate in school districts of the first class, to standing, to enforcement and to construction of article and other laws; in school safety and security, further providing for definitions and for School Safety and Security Committee, providing for duties of committee, further providing for School Safety and Security Grant Program, providing for Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools and School Entities Program, for standardized protocols, for county safe schools' collaborative and for school mental health grants for 2023-2024 school year, further providing for school safety and security coordinator training and providing for reporting and memorandum of understanding, for safe schools advocate in school districts of the first class and for enforcement; in school security, further providing for definitions, for school police officers, for annual report and for school security guards; in school health services, further providing for dental examinations and dental hygiene services and providing for eating disorder awareness and education; in drug and alcohol recovery high school program, providing for enrollment of students; in terms and courses of study, providing for calculation of average daily membership for a dual credit course and further providing for Economic Education and Personal Financial Literacy Programs; in early learning programs, providing for quarterly meetings; in character education program, further providing for character education program; providing for the Dual Credit Innovation and Equity Grant Program; in high schools, further providing for attendance in other districts; in community colleges, further providing for financial program and reimbursement of payments; in educational tax credits, further providing for qualification and application by organizations, for limitations and for low-achieving schools; in school districts of the first class, further providing for qualifications of principals and teachers; in funding for public libraries, providing for State aid for fiscal year 2023-2024; 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 definitions and for payments on account of pupils enrolled in career and technical curriculums, providing for Level-Up Supplement for 2022-2023 school year, further providing for payments on account of courses for exceptional children, for payments to intermediate units, for assistance to school districts declared to be in financial recovery status or identified for financial watch status, for payments, for payments on account of pupil transportation, for Ready-to-Learn Block Grant and for payment of required contribution for public school employees' Social Security; in construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, further providing for applicability; providing for School Environmental Repairs Program; abrogating a regulation; and making an editorial change.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.