Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB346

Introduced
3/13/23  

Caption

In safe schools, further providing for reporting.

Impact

If enacted, HB 346 would amend existing regulations surrounding school safety protocols, thereby establishing a formal framework for incident reporting. This could include adjustments to how schools document, report, and respond to safety issues. Proponents argue that standardized reporting will lead to improved safety measures, allowing educational authorities to respond more effectively to incidents. This shift could potentially enhance overall student welfare, fostering a more secure educational environment across the state. However, implementation will require adequate training and resources to ensure compliance.

Summary

House Bill 346 focuses on enhancing safety in schools by establishing clearer reporting requirements for incidents that occur within educational institutions. The intent of the bill is to ensure that all safety-related events are promptly and accurately reported, promoting a safer environment for students and staff. This legislative measure is a response to growing concerns over school safety and the need for a systematic approach to addressing these issues. By implementing these reporting mandates, the bill aims to hold schools accountable for their safety measures and responses to incidents.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HB 346 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among those advocating for increased safety measures within educational settings. However, there are voices of concern regarding the practicality of the reporting requirements and the impact it may have on teachers and administrative staff. Some education advocates express that while the intent is noble, the added burden of reporting could detract from educational activities and impose additional stress on personnel already stretched thin. The overall discourse reflects a balancing act between enhancing safety and maintaining educational quality.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 346 revolve around the effectiveness of mandated reporting and its implications on local school governance. Critics question whether the bill’s focus on formal reporting will translate into actual improvements in school safety or whether it may simply create additional bureaucratic processes. Additionally, there is debate about whether local schools are best positioned to make decisions regarding their safety protocols or if state-mandated requirements may lead to a one-size-fits-all approach that could overlook unique local circumstances.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB857

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

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 SB930

In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1025

In Safe2Say Program, further providing for definitions and for Safe2Say Program; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system; and making an editorial change.

PA SB650

In Safe2Say Program, further providing for definitions and for Safe2Say Program; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1293

In safe schools, further providing for policy relating to bullying.

PA SB907

In school safety and security, further providing for school

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 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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.