HB 2656
An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in community colleges, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of State Board of Education, for plans and procedures for establishing, for election or appointment and term and organization of board of trustees, for powers and duties of board of trustees, for students, for tuition, for withdrawal of sponsorship and dissolution of community college, for participation in or admission to established community college, for degrees and for financial program and reimbursement of payments; in institutions of higher education, further providing for long-term strategic planning and * * *
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to update the governance and operations of community colleges and institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania. It clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the State Board of Higher Education, establishes long-term strategic planning requirements, and modifies provisions related to board composition, tuition, student participation, and financial reimbursements. The bill also expands the board’s authority to approve or disapprove plans and actions related to higher education institutions.
Key provisions
- Clarifies the definition of ‘community college plan’ to include a survey of industrial needs and workforce shortages.
- Expands the State Board of Higher Education’s powers and duties, including approving or disapproving community college plans and petitions.
- Requires institutions of higher education to develop and submit long-term strategic plans.
- Modifies provisions regarding tuition rates and reimbursement for community colleges.
- Updates the composition and organization of community college boards of trustees.
- Establishes a process for community colleges to participate in or be admitted to established colleges.
- Expands the State Board of Higher Education’s authority to oversee and regulate higher education institutions.
- Provides for the transfer of certain regulations and activities from the State Board of Education to the State Board of Higher Education.
Who is affected
- Pennsylvania residents
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Manuel Guzman
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