Pennsylvania House Bill HB612

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/2/23
• Refer: 5/2/23
• Refer: 6/21/23
• Report Pass: 6/21/23
• Refer: 6/22/23
• Report Pass: 6/22/23
• Engrossed: 10/31/23
• Refer: 11/21/23

Caption

Providing for funding for State-related universities for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, for costs basis, for frequency of payments and for recordkeeping requirements; imposing a duty on the Auditor General; providing for financial statements and for the Agricultural College Land Scrip Fund; and making appropriations.

Impact

The bill is designed to enforce strict financial management requirements on the state-related universities that receive funding. It mandates that these institutions maintain and submit detailed records of expenditures, subject to auditing by the Auditor General. Moreover, the act lays out restrictions on how the appropriated funds may be spent, particularly focusing on educational services and community outreach, which reflects a commitment to accountability in the use of public funds. A notable point of concern addressed by the bill is a mandated tuition freeze for the 2024-2025 academic school year, ensuring that tuition levels for students do not exceed those of the previous year.

Summary

House Bill 612, known as the State-related University Nonpreferred Appropriation Act of 2023, aims to provide funding for several state-related universities in Pennsylvania for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024. This bill appropriates substantial financial resources to institutions including The Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, and Lincoln University, with the intent to support their operational expenses and educational services during this period. The funding distribution emphasizes monthly payments based on estimated costs assessed by the universities.

Sentiment

In the legislative discourse surrounding HB 612, the general sentiment appears to lean towards supporting higher education funding while ensuring financial accountability. Proponents of the bill argue that this appropriation is crucial for sustaining the operational capabilities of these universities, ultimately benefiting students and the broader educational landscape. Conversely, there are concerns about potential restrictions on university autonomy in managing their budgets and implementing curriculum innovations, which some critics believe could stifle institutional growth.

Contention

One point of contention within the bill is the restriction imposed on the University of Pittsburgh, which is prohibited from using funds for its environmental law clinic operations. This aspect has raised discussions on whether such restrictions might limit the scope of programs universities can offer, potentially affecting essential educational and community services. Additionally, there is an ongoing debate concerning how the tuition freeze could impact the universities' revenue streams and their ability to maintain quality education amidst rising operational costs.