PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB794

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB794

Introduced
3/3/25  

Caption

In community colleges, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of State Board of Education and for degrees.

Impact

One significant aspect of HB 794 is its potential impact on the governance and operational capabilities of community colleges. By defining their roles more explicitly, the bill seeks to ensure that community colleges can effectively operate and deliver quality education that meets the needs of their communities. Furthermore, the bill enhances the authority of the State Board of Education to create policies and standards that guide the establishment and maintenance of these institutions. This change may lead to increased accountability and standardized operations across community colleges.

Summary

House Bill 794 aims to amend the Public School Code of 1949 by providing clearer definitions and enhanced powers and duties to the State Board of Education concerning community colleges in Pennsylvania. The bill emphasizes the role of community colleges in offering a variety of degree programs and technical education. It specifies that community colleges can provide services pertinent to career and technical education, thereby expanding their responsibilities in the educational landscape of the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 794 appears to be generally positive among educational stakeholders. Proponents feel that the bill represents an important step towards improving post-secondary education in Pennsylvania, particularly in terms of vocational training and community engagement. Supporters argue that by enhancing the operational framework of community colleges, the bill could lead to better support for students and more robust career pathways.

Contention

Despite the positive sentiment, there may be areas of contention regarding the extent of the State Board's authority over community colleges. Some educators and advocates might be concerned that increased regulation could limit the flexibility and responsiveness of community colleges to meet local needs. There may also be discussions about the adequacy of funding and resources available for these institutions to fulfill their expanded roles effectively, highlighting the need for careful consideration of financial implications as the bill moves forward.

Latest PA HB794 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB794

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB90

In community colleges, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of State Board of Education and for degrees.

PA SB256

In community colleges, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of State Board of Education and for degrees.

PA SB1041

In community colleges, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1654

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for kindergartens; in pupils and attendance, further providing for age limits and temporary residence, for definitions and for when provided; and providing for full-day kindergarten.

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 HB79

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

PA HB213

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

PA SB1042

Further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of board, for continuing education and for practice of physical therapy.

PA HB957

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for kindergartens and providing for pre-kindergarten programs; and, in pupils and attendance, further providing for age limits and temporary residence and for definitions.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.