Bill > HR318

This resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study examining a potential alternative method for school district funding by pooling property tax revenue at the intermediate unit level. The study aims to address long-standing issues of inadequate and inequitable public school funding, particularly in light of a recent Commonwealth Court ruling that deemed the current education funding system unconstitutional. Specifically, the resolution requires the committee to collect detailed data on school district property tax revenues, calculate effective tax rates at county, intermediate unit, and statewide levels, analyze tax effort and revenue variances, and determine how redistributing pooled property tax revenue based on average daily student membership might impact school funding equity. The committee is mandated to complete the study within one year and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the General Assembly, which will be made publicly accessible online. The ultimate goal is to explore a more equitable approach to funding public education that meets the constitutional requirement of providing a thorough and efficient educational system.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=318