PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB454

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB454

Introduced
3/16/23  

Caption

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions.

Impact

The bill's amendment could have significant implications on how affiliated entities are recognized and managed within the State System of Higher Education. By providing a clear definition, it could facilitate better accountability in terms of financial management and the relationship between nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. With nonprofits being crucial to funding and support within higher education, this bill aims to streamline understanding and oversight.

Summary

House Bill 454 seeks to amend the Public School Code of 1949 by refining definitions related to the State System of Higher Education. The specific amendment pertains to the term 'affiliated entity,' specifying criteria for what constitutes such an entity with regards to financial thresholds and their role in benefitting the system. With this amendment, the bill aims to clarify the status of certain corporations that support state-owned universities through donations exceeding five million dollars over a three-year period.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 454 appears generally supportive, especially among lawmakers and educational stakeholders looking to enhance clarity and operational efficiency within the state's education framework. However, the implications for potential bureaucracy and oversight might cause some concern among stakeholders regarding the administrative burden this could impose on smaller affiliated entities.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 454 could be found in the delineation of financial thresholds for affiliated entities. Critics may argue that the five million dollar benchmark could exclude smaller nonprofits from benefiting from these definitions and the associated status, potentially dissuading them from engaging with the State System of Higher Education. This could inadvertently foster an environment that favors larger organizations over smaller, possibly more local entities that provide valuable support within their communities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB79

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of councils of trustees.

PA SB1151

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and establishing the Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program.

PA HB2279

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and establishing the Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program.

PA HB345

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of councils of trustees.

PA HB1168

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for Board of Governors.

PA SB1150

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and providing for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; providing for institutions of higher education, for Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program and for intercollegiate athletics; in ready-to-succeed scholarship, further providing for agency; and making a repeal.

PA HB938

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for Board of Governors.

PA HB1528

Providing for State System of Higher Education; and, in State-related institutions, further providing for contents of report.

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 HB213

In the State Board of Education, further providing for definitions and providing for academic standards review; and making editorial changes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.