An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, further providing for fire and emergency evacuation drills.

HB 823 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to replace annual fire drills with "school security drills" in all public school buildings. It requires schools to conduct one security drill per year (after the first 90 days of school), with specific rules: drills must be age-appropriate, avoid violent simulations (like fake weapons or injuries), include mental health professionals, and require 7 days' advance notice to parents. Schools must also hold a debriefing period with mental health support immediately after each drill. This bill directly affects all Pennsylvania public schools and their students, shifting focus from fire safety to comprehensive security planning.