Pennsylvania House Bill HB663

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/22/23
• Refer: 3/22/23
• Refer: 10/31/23
• Report Pass: 11/13/23
• Engrossed: 11/13/23
• Refer: 11/21/23
• Refer: 4/8/24
• Report Pass: 7/9/24
• Enrolled: 7/12/24
• Chaptered: 7/17/24
• Passed: 7/17/24

Caption

In pupils and attendance, further providing for residence and right to free school privileges.

Impact

If passed, the bill will significantly affect how school districts handle residency verification. It stipulates that children can maintain their school enrollment even if they are found not to be residents, pending resolution of an appeal. This is particularly important for families who may be in a transient situation or are living on federal installations. Additionally, the bill protects the rights of homeless students by ensuring they receive necessary information regarding their educational rights and are not unfairly disenrolled due to their circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 663 seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949 by clarifying the conditions under which students are considered residents of a school district, particularly in relation to free school privileges. The bill aims to ensure that children, whose guardians are not residents of a school district, are not disenrolled from school until all appeals regarding residency status are resolved. This includes providing a mechanism for hearings where guardians can contest decisions made by school districts regarding a child's eligibility for enrollment.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 663 appears to be supportive of protecting student rights, especially for those in vulnerable situations such as homelessness or military families. Advocates for the bill argue that it provides essential legal protections and due process for families potentially facing disenrollment. However, there may also be concerns raised regarding the enforcement of residency requirements and the potential for abuse of the system, which critics argue could strain resources for school districts.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the section imposing penalties for individuals who knowingly provide false information regarding residency. The bill introduces a summary offense with fines or community service for violations, which some might see as necessary for maintaining integrity in enrollment processes. Nonetheless, others may argue that this provision could disproportionately impact low-income families who may be navigating complex circumstances regarding living arrangements. Overall, the bill highlights the tension between ensuring fair access to education and maintaining the proper regulations governing school district residency.