- Reviewed 136 bills beginning January 2025
Pennsylvania House
- Seventy-eight bills were referred to the House Education Committee. Two of these bills may impact homeschooling.
- HB 1253 “The School Violence Reporting for Nonpublic Schools” sponsored by Representative Hainbridge (D). It may not apply to the homeschooling community, as the specific language applies to nonpublic schools. Homeschooling families are specifically not mentioned in the proposed legislation.
- HB 1258 “The Student Freedom Account” sponsored by Representative Joseph D’Orsie (R). It is similar to the previous bill he sponsored last term. It appears to be a type of ESA. It is state funds allocated to follow the student up to $10,000, per year to be used on education or educational expenses. The $10,000 would not be considered taxable income to the parents. The bill is still in committee and no action has been taken.
- The House is extremely interested in incumbering cyber charter and charter schools.
Pennsylvania Senate
- Forty-seven bills were referred to the Senate Education Committee. None of the bills had an impact on homeschooling issues.
- The Republican majority seems steadfast in not legalizing marijuana for personal use.
- James Malone (D) was elected during a special election to fill a vacant seat representing Northern Lancaster County. Republicans still have the majority in the upper chamber, 27-23 seats.
United States Congress
- President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” seems to have an uncertain financial benefit to homeschoolers. Will Estrada will provide more information when it becomes available.
Issues of Interest
- On Friday at the CHAP Convention, CHAP hosted a legislative forum with Representative Tom Jones, Will Estrada of HSLDA, Ben Slade from Senator Rothman’s office and representatives of the CHAP Board and Legislative committee. Later that afternoon, Representative Zimmerman visited with CHAP leadership members, parents and vendors.
- Capitol Day was a huge success with over 100 families attending.
