Pennsylvania Act 2026-19 — PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE OF 1949 - PENNSYLVANIA SEAL OF BILITERACY

Act text

Session of 2026

No. 2026-19

HB 1877

AN ACT

Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applicable as well to private and parochial schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the laws relating thereto," in terms and courses of study, providing for Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a section to read:

Section 1511.2. Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy.--(a) Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the department shall establish criteria and a toolkit for school entities to award a seal, to be known as the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy, to any student graduating from high school who demonstrates proficiency in English and at least one other world language. To qualify for the seal, a student must:

(1) Complete all requirements to earn a high school diploma.

(2) Meet any English proficiency criteria established by the department.

(3) Meet any world language proficiency criteria established by the department.

(b) Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, a school entity that awards the seal shall:

(1) For a student who is awarded the seal, note the seal on the student's high school transcript issued by the school entity.

(2) By October 31, 2027, and each October 31 thereafter, report the following information to the department for the prior school year:

(i) The number of graduating students who were awarded the seal.

(ii) The number of English learners who were awarded the seal.

(iii) A list of languages for which the seal was awarded.

(iv) Any other information required by the department.

(c) By December 1, 2027, and each December 1 thereafter, the department shall issue a report on the efficacy of the seal to the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Education Committee of the Senate and the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Education Committee of the House of Representatives. The report shall include information collected by the department in accordance with subsection (b)(2).

(d) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Department." The Department of Education of the Commonwealth.

"School entity." A school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter school or regional charter school.

"Seal." The Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy authorized under this section.

"World language." As defined in 22 Pa. Code § 4.25(d) (relating to languages).

Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

APPROVED--The 29th day of June, A.D. 2026.

JOSH SHAPIRO