HB 2599 Pennsylvania House · 2023-2024 Regular Session

An Act providing for "What Is Your Pennsylvania Story" guidelines for school entities; and imposing duties on the Department of Education.

This bill directs the Pennsylvania Department of Education to create guidelines for schools on teaching social studies through the lens of "What Is Your Pennsylvania Story," focusing on religious freedom and diverse cultural experiences. The guidelines must include specific content about the state's religious heritage, the history of the United States since 1776, and opportunities for students to share their personal and family backgrounds. School districts and other educational entities will use these materials during the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years to help students understand their unique contributions to the nation. The legislation also requires schools to notify parents about the chance to contribute to the development of these guidelines before they are implemented. The law is set to expire at the end of the 2026-2027 school year.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2024
Committee Review
Oct 2024
House Passage
Oct 2024
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Sep 27, 2024 Last action Oct 24, 2024
Floor votes · House Oct 21, 2024

How they voted

16910
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 180
Oct 21, 2024
D Democratic89
89 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican91
80 Yea 10 Nay 1
87% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
3
Committee
5
Oct 24, 2024
Committee
Referred to Education
upper
Oct 21, 2024
Lower · Passed
Third consideration and final passage
lower
Oct 21, 2024
Lower · Passed
Re-reported as committed
lower
Oct 9, 2024
Committee
Re-committed to Appropriations
lower
Sep 30, 2024
Lower · Passed
Reported as committed
lower
Sep 27, 2024
Committee
Referred to Education
lower
1 primary · 12 co-sponsors

Sponsors