Bill > HB681

This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to modify school health services, reporting requirements, and physical education standards. The legislation introduces several key changes: school health screenings will now involve height and weight measurements performed by health care practitioners instead of teachers, with a focus on tracking growth patterns while protecting student confidentiality; parents can request a written exemption from height and weight measurements for their children; school districts must report height and weight measurements to the Secretary of Health in a confidential manner, and body mass index (BMI) calculations will be done solely for reporting purposes and not shared with students or parents without written request. The bill also expands the Interagency Coordinating Council for Child Health, Nutrition and Physical Education by adding the Secretary of Human Services and requiring an annual Pennsylvania Child Wellness Plan that includes recommendations about nutrition assistance programs and active lifestyles. Additionally, the legislation prohibits calculating BMI as part of academic instruction and mandates that any health-related instruction must protect student confidentiality. These changes aim to improve student health monitoring while maintaining privacy and providing flexibility for parents.

Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=681