Bill > HB2095

This bill establishes a Mandate Waiver Program that allows school districts and intermediate units to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for waivers from certain legal provisions and regulations if doing so would help them operate more effectively, efficiently, or economically. School districts can either apply individually or work through their intermediate unit to request waivers, and must submit a detailed application explaining the need for the waiver, potential benefits, and include an evaluation procedure to measure the program's effectiveness. The Department of Education must respond to waiver applications within 60 days, and if they do not respond, the waiver is automatically approved. After five years, the school district must submit an evaluation, and if the waiver demonstrates improvements in student performance or school operations, it can be renewed. The bill specifically prohibits waivers for certain critical sections of educational law, such as those related to special education, student services, discrimination protections, and collective bargaining agreements. The bill also requires the Department of Education to publicly post all waiver requests, approvals, and disapprovals on their website, providing transparency in the process. The mandate waiver program will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Education

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2095