HB 1648 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish "mental health days" as an excused absence for students, directly affecting public, nonpublic, and private school students. Schools must adopt policies by the 2026-2027 school year allowing up to two consecutive days off for mental or physical fatigue due to mental health-related stressors, whether certified (like anxiety) or uncertified (like bullying or family trauma). The bill prohibits more than three mental health days in a week or two consecutive weeks, except as permitted by school policies. The state Department of Education will develop model guidelines within 90 days to help schools implement these policies.
SB 720 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to modify vision health requirements for school-aged children in public and nonpublic schools. It mandates that children receive a comprehensive eye health and vision examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist before their first school admission, and again in fourth and eighth grades. The bill also requires an annual vision screening or eye examination. If a child fails a school-provided vision screening, a comprehensive eye health and vision examination becomes mandatory, to be completed within 120 days or before the next school year.
HB 194 creates Pennsylvania's Mental Health Professional Student Loan Forgiveness Program, targeting mental health workers serving children and adolescents. It allows eligible residents who complete qualifying degrees (like social work, counseling, or psychology) and work in early childhood-to-adolescence mental health roles to receive up to $22,500 in loan forgiveness after signing a 7-year employment contract. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) administers the program, requiring applicants to prove residency, partial degree completion, faculty recommendations, and secure employment in the specified field. Participants must maintain employment for seven years or repay the forgiven amount if they leave the field early, fail to comply, or provide false information. This directly affects mental health professionals in Pennsylvania seeking relief from student debt while addressing workforce needs in youth mental health.
HB 192 repeals outdated language requiring psychological services to be provided on school premises for nonpublic school students. It updates the definition of "professional employees" to explicitly include school social workers, counselors, psychologists, and nurses in Pennsylvania schools. The bill mandates that school social workers must hold a new educational specialist certificate issued by the Department of Education, which must be created within 60 days. Additionally, it adds rules requiring schools to share student health records when students transfer and to retain those records for at least two years after a student leaves.
HB 1043 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to expand access to emergency allergy and asthma treatments in schools. The bill specifically allows school staff, including bus drivers and crossing guards, to possess, use, and administer epinephrine auto-injectors (like EpiPens) and asthma inhalers for students in medical emergencies. It updates definitions and procedures to ensure authorized personnel can act quickly during allergic reactions or asthma attacks without requiring individual physician orders each time. This directly affects students with life-threatening allergies or asthma and school staff who may need to provide immediate care.
HB 356 requires Pennsylvania public and private schools serving grades 6-12 to provide annual, evidence-based training on youth suicide awareness and prevention (at least one hour per school year), along with violence prevention training (also one hour annually). For grades K-12, schools must also offer social inclusion training (one hour yearly) focused on identifying social isolation and building peer connections. The Pennsylvania Department of Education must develop and publish a list of approved, no-cost training materials within one year of the law's effective date. These requirements apply directly to all school entities in the state, mandating specific content for students and staff on mental health, violence prevention, and social inclusion.
This bill updates Pennsylvania's school health requirements to require automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in all public schools. It mandates CPR training for school staff and adds electrocardiogram (ECG) testing for student athletes before participating in interscholastic sports. The law directly affects public schools, staff, and student athletes by establishing new health safety protocols for sudden cardiac arrest prevention. Key provisions include equipping schools with AEDs, requiring staff CPR certification, and implementing ECG screenings for athletic eligibility. The bill was referred to the Education committee on October 16, 2025.
HB 1447 requires Pennsylvania schools to create written policies allowing students to carry and self-administer asthma inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors, and adrenal insufficiency medications. Schools must verify students' ability to use these medications safely, store them securely, and notify staff after use - while ensuring students with medical needs can access treatment without disrupting classes. The bill also mandates training for school staff to administer adrenal insufficiency medication during emergencies and directs the state health and education departments to provide resources on proper medication use. This directly affects students with asthma, severe allergies, or adrenal insufficiency, as well as school districts and staff responsible for health protocols.
HB 1743 requires Pennsylvania public and charter schools to implement comprehensive school counseling plans developed by certified counselors. The bill mandates that school counselors spend at least 80% of their time on direct student services (like classroom instruction, individual counseling, and career planning) and indirect services (such as consultations with parents or staff). Each school entity must create an annual, K-12-aligned plan addressing academic, career, and social-emotional needs, including special populations like students with individualized education plans. These plans must be reviewed yearly and integrated with existing school strategic planning. The law applies directly to all Pennsylvania school districts, charter schools, and intermediate units.
HB 681 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update school health services and physical education requirements. It requires school districts to submit annual health reports, establishes an interagency council to coordinate child health, nutrition, and physical education services, and revises physical education curriculum standards. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania public schools and students by mandating new reporting, coordination, and updated physical education guidelines. It passed the legislature on June 11, 2025, and is now referred to the Education committee for further action.
