Bill > HB1701

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for assessing and improving public school facilities across Pennsylvania, creating a new system for tracking and addressing infrastructure needs. The legislation creates the Public School Facility Advisory Committee within the Department of Education, which will help develop uniform criteria for evaluating school facilities. By April 1, 2028, the department will initiate a detailed assessment of each public school facility, examining physical attributes like structural components, mechanical systems, interior and exterior conditions, disability accessibility, environmental hazards, energy efficiency, and safety enhancements. School entities will be required to submit detailed inventories about their facilities, including building age, size, ownership status, and student enrollment projections. Each school district must then develop a modernization plan based on the assessment results and post it on their website. The bill repeals previous voluntary building condition assessment guidelines and mandates a more structured approach to understanding and improving school infrastructure. The assessment will result in an executive summary highlighting critical needs like asbestos and lead remediation, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, and heating and ventilation system conditions. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that Pennsylvania's public school facilities are safe, functional, and conducive to effective learning environments.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1701