Bill > SB246

This bill amends the Public School Code to expand notification requirements for school incidents, mandating that schools (including public, nonpublic, and private schools) inform parents, guardians, and employees about specific types of incidents within 24 hours. The expanded notification requirements now cover not just weapon possession, but also incidents involving bullying, harassment, serious bodily injury, and damage to school property. Schools must notify parents and employees using communication methods likely to reach them, with slightly different notification rules depending on where the incident occurs (in a school building, on a shared campus, or during a school-sponsored activity). The bill specifies that notifications should protect student privacy by avoiding personally identifiable information, and it does not limit schools' existing responsibilities to report serious incidents to law enforcement or follow emergency protocols. Importantly, the notifications must be made within 24 hours of the incident, using communication methods likely to reach the intended recipients, and must balance transparency with student privacy protections. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving schools time to adjust their notification procedures.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=246