Pennsylvania Act 2024-73 — PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE OF 1949 - COMMISSION FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION EXCELLENCE

Act text

Session of 2024

No. 2024-73

HB 1540

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, further providing for Commission for Agricultural Education Excellence.

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

Section 1. Section 1549.1(f) and (m) introductory paragraph of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, are amended and the section is amended by adding subsections to read:

Section 1549.1. Commission for Agricultural Education Excellence.--* * *

(f) The commission shall consist of the following members until September 30, 2024 :

(1) The Secretary of Education, or a designee.

(2) The Secretary of Agriculture, or a designee.

(3) The following members jointly appointed by the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Agriculture from lists submitted by the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in consultation with the Majority Leader and Minority Leader of the Senate and the Majority Leader and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives:

(i) Two farmers.

(ii) A representative of the agricultural processing and agricultural marketing industries.

(iii) Two representatives of agricultural sciences, not more than one of whom shall be a faculty member of the College of Agricultural Sciences of The Pennsylvania State University.

(iv) A representative of the State System of Higher Education with a background in or knowledge of agricultural education.

(v) Two teachers of career and technical agriculture, one from a career and technical center and one from a school district.

(vi) A representative of a community college with a background in or knowledge of agricultural education.

(vii) An administrator of a school entity which conducts an agricultural education program.

(viii) A member of a school district occupational advisory committee.

(ix) Two members of the business community with knowledge of agricultural education.

(f.1) Beginning October 1, 2024, the commission shall consist of the following members:

(1) The Secretary of Education, or a designee.

(2) The Secretary of Agriculture, or a designee.

(3) Two members appointed by the Secretary of Education:

(i) One of whom shall be a teacher of career and technical agriculture from a school district.

(ii) One of whom shall be a teacher of career and technical agriculture from a career and technical center.

(4) Two members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture:

(i) One of whom shall be a representative of the agricultural marketing industry.

(ii) One of whom shall be an agricultural sciences faculty member of a college or university.

(5) Two members appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate:

(i) One of whom shall be a farmer.

(ii) One of whom shall be a representative of the agricultural processing industry.

(6) Two members appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate:

(i) One of whom shall be a member of a school district occupational advisory committee.

(ii) One of whom shall be a member of the business community with knowledge of agricultural education.

(7) Two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives:

(i) One of whom shall be a farmer.

(ii) One of whom shall be a faculty member of the College of Agricultural Sciences of The Pennsylvania State University.

(8) Two members appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives:

(i) One of whom shall be a member of the business community with knowledge of agricultural education.

(ii) One of whom shall be an individual with a background in or knowledge of agricultural education.

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(g.1) To the extent practicable, from members appointed under subsection (f.1), an equal number shall draw lots to serve for a term of three years, for a term of two years and for a term of one year. Thereafter, all members shall be appointed for a term of three years. Members shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed. If members are not initially appointed by October 1, 2024, the Secretary of Education and Secretary of Agriculture shall jointly appoint any qualified individual to fill the vacancy.

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(m) By [May 1, 2018, and by May 1 of] December 31 each year [thereafter], the commission shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly on the status of agricultural education in this Commonwealth. The report shall:

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Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.

APPROVED--The 17th day of July, A.D. 2024.

JOSH SHAPIRO