Education (Higher Education)

HB 2209 requires all state-funded institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania to implement a mandatory one-credit course on "the dangers and realities of communism and socialism" starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The course must cover specific topics including definitions of capitalism, communism, and socialism; historical examples like China, Cuba, and the Soviet Union; comparisons between free markets and communist systems; and the impact on civil liberties. It applies to all public universities, community colleges, and state-funded private institutions as defined in the bill. The law mandates this curriculum for all students at these institutions, with no exemption for existing courses. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

HB 1948 prohibits Pennsylvania colleges and universities that receive state education grants or loans from entering into certain agreements. It directly affects public and private institutions receiving state funding under Title 24 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The bill establishes enforcement authority with the Office of Attorney General to address violations. This legislation aims to prevent specific financial or contractual arrangements between state-funded higher education institutions and external entities. The bill is currently referred to the Education committee for further consideration.

HB 1762 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish a 12-month residency requirement for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. It directly affects students enrolling at Pennsylvania's public higher education institutions (including community colleges, State System universities, and State-related institutions) starting in the fall 2025 semester. To qualify for lower in-state tuition rates, students must have lived in Pennsylvania continuously for at least 12 months prior to enrollment. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, or immediately thereafter.

SB 126 requires Pennsylvania universities that host or support antisemitic events to lose state funding for the 2025-2026 school year. If a university received funding before such an event, it must refund the state. The law defines antisemitism broadly to include acts like denying the Holocaust, comparing Israeli policy to Nazis, or spreading conspiracy theories about Jewish people, with the State Board of Education handling violations through 30-day hearings. This applies to all Pennsylvania universities receiving state funding under the Public School Code.

HB 246 prohibits Pennsylvania public and state-related institutions of higher education from requiring students to complete diversity training or diversity courses to graduate or earn credit. It specifically bans programs based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, or oppression are inherent in U.S. institutions, as defined in the bill. The law applies to community colleges, rural regional colleges, state universities, state-related institutions, and Thaddeus Stevens College. It does not ban all diversity-related content but targets courses or training explicitly founded on the specified theories. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.