PRINTER'S NO. 583
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.573
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY BOSCOLA, SAVAL, STREET, FONTANA, COSTA AND
SANTARSIERO, APRIL 9, 2025
REFERRED TO EDUCATION, APRIL 9, 2025
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," in terms and courses of study,
providing for blood donation education.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a
section to read:
Section 1529. Blood Donation Education.--(a) The Department
of Education shall, in cooperation with the Department of
Health:
(1) Establish a unit of instruction to educate students in
grades eleven and twelve regarding blood donation, emphasize the
need for donated blood and encourage blood donation and
participation in blood donation programs for students.
(2) Develop and distribute appropriate educational materials
and resources to educators and public and nonpublic schools.
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20 (b) The unit of instruction required under subsection (a)
shall be integrated within the health course of study required
in accordance with the State Board of Education regulations
contained in 22 Pa. Code Ch. 4 (relating to academic standards
and assessment). The Department of Education may utilize any
appropriate public or private materials, personnel and other
resources in developing and implementing this unit of
instruction.
(c) The unit of instruction required under subsection (a)
shall include:
(1) A physiology component relating to blood, blood types
and the circulatory system.
(2) A need and usage component that includes information
relating to:
(i) The frequency and types of situations where donated
blood is needed.
(ii) Procedures utilized for the collection of donated blood
and the safety of those procedures.
(iii) Procedures utilized for the storage of donated blood
and the various uses of donated blood.
(iv) Specific instances where an available donated blood
supply assisted individuals in need.
(3) A participation component to encourage students to
donate blood and volunteer at local blood banks, which component
emphasizes the personal rewards and community benefits from
donation and participation.
(d) (1) A student shall be excused from participation in
the unit of instruction required under subsection (a) if the
student or, if the student is under eighteen (18) years of age,
the student's parent or guardian objects in writing to
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30 participation on religious grounds.
(2) No student excused under paragraph (1) may be penalized
for the excuse. During the time period that the unit of
instruction is presented, a substitute unit of instruction shall
be provided to the student in accordance with regulations
promulgated by the State Board of Education.
(e) The State Board of Education shall promulgate
regulations necessary for the implementation of this section.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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