Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1197

Introduced
4/15/25  

Caption

Further providing for definitions, for State Board of Private Academic Schools, for powers and duties of board, for application for license, for issuance and renewal of license, for directory of private academic schools, for requirements for licensure and operation, for enforcement, refusal, suspension or revocation of license and for promulgation of rules and regulations.

Impact

The bill reflects a significant shift in the regulation of private academic institutions, providing a structured framework for ensuring quality and consistency within the educational sector. By empowering the State Board to oversee licensing and enforcement measures, HB1197 aims to enhance accountability among private schools. This could potentially lead to stricter adherence to educational standards as schools will be subject to periodic inspections and must meet defined criteria to maintain their operational licenses.

Summary

House Bill 1197 aims to update and amend the existing Private Academic Schools Act in Pennsylvania. The bill focuses on refining definitions of private academic schools, delineating the powers and duties of the State Board of Private Academic Schools, and establishing protocols for the application, issuance, and renewal of school licenses. It introduces regulations specifically for online schools, mandating that these institutions meet certain standards before receiving licensure, including compliance with unique instructional and operational requirements.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment surrounding HB1197 appears to be supportive, especially among those advocating for higher educational standards and regulatory oversight of private schools. However, there may be concerns from certain stakeholders about the sufficiency of the proposed regulations, particularly regarding the unique needs of online schools that differ from traditional academic institutions. These discussions may highlight the tension between the desire for regulatory oversight and the operational flexibility needed by private and online schools.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to HB1197 include discussions about the balance of regulatory authority and the autonomy of private academic schools. Critics may argue that overly stringent regulations could deter potential operators from establishing new schools or could disproportionately impact existing schools struggling to meet the new requirements. Meanwhile, supporters assert that these measures are essential for protecting students and ensuring that all private institutions provide quality education, thus justifying the necessity of updated regulations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB557

Further providing for definitions, for State Board of Private Academic Schools, for powers and duties of board, for application for license, for issuance and renewal of license, for directory of private academic schools, for requirements for licensure and operation, for enforcement, refusal, suspension or revocation of license and for promulgation of rules and regulations.

PA HB2413

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and for health certificates for importation; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for rules and regulations.

PA HB2354

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and for health certificates for importation; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for rules and regulations.

PA HB1000

Further providing for definitions, for State Board of Psychology and for powers of the board; providing for prescription certificate, for prescribing and administrative practices and for controlled substances; and further providing for refusal, suspension or revocation of license, for reporting of multiple licensure and for penalties and injunctions against unlawful practice.

PA SB1241

In insurance producers, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of department, for license prerequisites, for licensing and for license renewals.

PA HB1564

Further providing for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Associate Professional Counselor"; further providing for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice; and providing for effect of associate licensure.

PA SB1019

Further providing for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Associate Professional Counselor"; further providing for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice; and providing for effect of associate licensure.

PA SB786

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for exemption from licensure examination, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restriction on use of title "licensed professional art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA HB1398

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for exemption from licensure examination, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restriction on use of title "licensed professional art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA HB1846

In enforcement, further providing for revocation, suspension or denial of license, permit or registration; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for denial or revocation of licenses and for period of revocation.

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