SB 838 Pennsylvania Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending the act of December 15, 1986 (P.L.1585, No.174), known as the Private Licensed Schools Act, further providing for definitions.

SB 838 amends Pennsylvania's definition of "private licensed school" in the 1986 Private Licensed Schools Act. It explicitly includes schools offering distance education in a field of study, while clarifying that the definition excludes religious schools, barber/cosmetology schools, employer-run training, and hospital-based programs. This update directly affects for-profit schools teaching skilled trades or business skills through distance learning, requiring them to comply with licensing rules they previously might not have faced. The change ensures these schools fall under the State Board of Private Licensed Schools' oversight, excluding them from existing exemptions.
Bill status passed 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
House Passage
Jun 2025
Governor
Introduced Jun 6, 2025 Last action Jun 30, 2025
Floor votes · Senate Jun 24, 2025 · House Jun 30, 2025

How they voted

500
Passed
Total votes 50
Jun 24, 2025
D Democratic23
23 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican27
27 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
14
Key actions
6
Committee
6
Jun 30, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (26-0)
house
Jun 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported as committed
lower
Jun 25, 2025
Committee
Referred to Professional Licensure
lower
Jun 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Final passage
upper
Jun 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Third consideration and final passage
upper
Jun 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Re-reported as committed
upper
Jun 11, 2025
Committee
Re-referred to Appropriations
upper
Jun 10, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported as committed
upper
Jun 6, 2025
Committee
Referred to Education
upper
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors

Sponsors