Education (K-12 Education)

HB 2250 requires Pennsylvania school districts (second, third, and fourth class) to obtain voter approval via referendum or hold a public hearing before constructing new schools or making substantial additions to existing buildings. It sets specific cost thresholds based on student capacity: $2,800 per elementary student, $4,200 for middle school students, and $5,200 for high school students. If a project exceeds initial cost estimates by 8% or surpasses these per-pupil limits, a second public hearing is mandated before final state approval. This bill directly affects school districts by adding procedural steps for major construction decisions, ensuring community input before significant spending.

HB 581, titled the Parental Rights in Education Act, prohibits public schools from teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It requires schools to notify parents in writing before providing health care services (like mental health support) or administering well-being questionnaires/surveys to K-5 students, including an option for parents to withhold consent. Schools must also allow parents access to their child's education and health records and cannot retaliate against students who report violations. The bill creates a legal right for students or parents to sue schools for noncompliance within 180 days of a violation.

SB 973 requires Pennsylvania public and private schools to provide early human life development education to students in grades 9-12 starting in the 2026-2027 school year, integrated into biology courses. The bill mandates specific content, including a minimum five-minute ultrasound video showing fetal development at 8, 12, 17, 22, 27, 32, and 37 weeks' gestation, and an animated rendering of fertilization and pregnancy stages. It also requires age-appropriate instruction on how drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics affect pregnancy and fetal health. The law applies to all school entities (districts, charter schools, etc.) and directly affects students in those grade levels.