An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, providing for "What is your Pennsylvania Story" continuing professional development course; and, in terms and courses of study, further providing for Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations instruction.
This bill requires Pennsylvania schools to offer a voluntary, free online training course for teachers and staff focused on student identity and cultural awareness. The program aims to help educators teach students about their unique backgrounds, religious freedom, and how to navigate cultural differences while rejecting biases. Additionally, the legislation mandates that school curricula include instruction on the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights violations. The Department of Education must develop these materials, submit annual progress reports to state lawmakers, and review the content every two years to ensure best practices.
Bill status
in committee
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2023
Committee Review
Jul 2024
House Passage
Jul 2024
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 16, 2023
Last action Oct 22, 2024
Floor votes · House Jul 10, 2024
How they voted
27–0
Passed
Total votes 27
Jul 10, 2024
D
Democratic13
100% Yea
R
Republican14
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
3
Committee
3
Amendments
1
Jul 10, 2024
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (27-0)
house
Jul 10, 2024
Lower · Passed
Re-reported as committed
lower
Jul 1, 2024
Committee
Re-committed to Rules
lower
Jul 1, 2024
Lower · Passed
Reported as amended
lower
Mar 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to Education
lower
1 primary · 9 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HB 481
Scope: PA
Hi! I can help you understand HB 481. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline