An Act amending the act of January 28, 1988 (P.L.24, No.11), known as the Private Academic Schools Act, 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.

HB 1197 amends Pennsylvania's 1988 Private Academic Schools Act to update licensing rules for private schools, including online schools. It clarifies definitions (like specifying "online school" excludes cyber charters), revises application requirements (e.g., detailing program offerings, facilities, and teacher qualifications), and updates enforcement procedures. The bill directly affects private academic schools seeking or renewing licenses, the State Board of Private Academic Schools, and the Department of Education. Key changes include requiring written plans for student record handling if a school closes and specifying that the Department's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education issues licenses and enforces regulations.