Pennsylvania Act 2024-69 — PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE OF 1949 - OMNIBUS AMENDMENTS

Act text

Session of 2024

No. 2024-69

HB 897

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 transfers of credits between institutions of higher education, further providing for definitions and for duties of public institutions of higher education, providing for guaranteed admission and further providing for applicability; in higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for definitions and providing for transparency and accountability; in miscellaneous provisions relating to institutions of higher education, providing for Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program; providing for institutions of higher education and for coordination of higher education; and making editorial changes.

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

Section 1. Section 2001-C of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding definitions to read:

Section 2001-C. Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

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"Associate degree." The term includes an associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, associate of fine arts degree or associate of applied science degree.

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"Parallel baccalaureate degree program." A bachelor's degree program in a comparable field of study and with similar foundation-level, major-specific competencies as an associate degree program, as articulated in program-to-program agreements.

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"Receiving institution." The public institution of higher education where a transfer student plans to enroll and to apply previously earned credit toward a degree program.

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Section 2. Section 2002-C(c)(1) of the act is amended to read:

Section 2002-C. Duties of public institutions of higher education.

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(c) Other duties.--Each public institution of higher education shall do all of the following:

(1) Agree to accept with full junior standing the associate [of arts or associate of science] degree [into a] and to apply all college-level credits earned to fulfill the degree requirements at the public institution of higher education, including major requirements and general education requirements, toward the parallel baccalaureate degree program as outlined in paragraph (3) [by the timelines established by the Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee but] no later than December 31, [2011] 2024 . For purposes of this paragraph, an associate [of arts or associate of science] degree is a degree designed primarily for transfer to a baccalaureate institution and must contain a minimum of 60 credits. The following shall apply:

(i) A student with an associate degree from a public institution of higher education who is transferring into a parallel baccalaureate degree program at another public institution of higher education shall be awarded full junior standing and shall not be required to satisfactorily complete more than 60 credits to earn a 120-credit baccalaureate degree in a parallel program, regardless of the courses the student took to earn the associate degree prior to transferring, unless required to meet accreditation or external licensure or certification standards.

(ii) A student transferring into a parallel baccalaureate degree program with an associate degree shall be guaranteed admission to the parallel baccalaureate degree program, subject to capacity, if the student meets the program criteria required of students in the parallel baccalaureate degree program at the receiving institution.

(iii) A student transferring from one public institution of higher education to another public institution of higher education shall have the same requirements for retention as a student in the parallel baccalaureate degree program at the receiving institution.

(iv) A public institution of higher education may designate majors or programs of study that are limited access by reason of accreditation, clinical or resource-based capacity.

(v) A student transferring from a public institution of higher education with an associate degree shall have satisfied the general education requirements at the receiving institution, with possible exceptions made for the following, provided that the exceptions do not extend the student's time to the degree:

(A) One signature general education course of up to three credits, if applicable.

(B) A prescribed general education course required for the major, if not satisfactorily completed.

(C) General education overlays satisfied in advanced courses in the major.

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Section 3. The act is amended by adding a section to read:

Section 2003.1-C. Guaranteed admission.

A public institution of higher education shall ensure that an undergraduate student transferring from a public institution of higher education with an associate degree shall be guaranteed admission into the parallel baccalaureate degree program at a public institution of higher education except in programs that have mandated admission requirements, including, but not limited to:

(1) A program requiring an audition.

(2) A program with additional retention requirements imposed by an accreditor.

Section 4. Section 2007-C of the act is amended to read:

Section 2007-C. Applicability.

[Nothing] Except as otherwise provided, nothing in this article shall [do any of the following]:

(1) Preclude any institution of higher education from establishing institution-to-institution articulation agreements.

(2) Void articulation agreements that have been established prior to the effective date of this section.

Section 5. Article XX-H of the act is amended by adding a subarticle heading immediately preceding section 2001-H to read:

SUBARTICLE A

PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

Section 6. Section 2001-H of the act is amended by adding definitions to read:

Section 2001-H. Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

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"Mandatory fee." A charge imposed by an institution of higher education to all of the institution's students, irrespective of their course or admission status, for enrollment or attendance for items not covered by tuition, room or board fees.

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"Online student portal." A secured internal Internet service administered by an institution of higher education on which a student of the institution of higher education can access personal academic, financial or other information related to attending the institution of higher education.

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Section 7. Article XX-H of the act is amended by adding a subarticle heading immediately preceding section 2002-H to read:

SUBARTICLE B

COLLEGE NAVIGATOR

Section 8. Article XX-H of the act is amended by adding a subarticle to read:

SUBARTICLE C

TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Section 2004-H. Student fee transparency.

(a) Display.--An institution of higher education shall prominently display a description of every mandatory fee charged by the institution of higher education and shall publish the fee description on each institution of higher education's publicly accessible Internet website and online student portal prior to the term for which the mandatory fee will be charged and included in any tuition bill. The amount of the mandatory fee must be accompanied by a description of:

(1) The general purpose of the mandatory fee.

(2) How the mandatory fee is expected to be allocated and used.

(3) How the mandatory fee will be collected and the academic year or semester for which the fee will be assessed.

(b) Publication of fees.--Beginning November 15, 2025, and by November 15 of each year thereafter, an institution of higher education shall publish on the institution's publicly accessible Internet website the following information from the prior academic year:

(1) The total amount of mandatory fees collected.

(2) The amount of mandatory fees allocated to each use.

(c) Linking.--Beginning on June 30, 2026, and by June 30 of each year thereafter, an institution of higher education shall provide the department with evidence that the fee information is published on the institution's publicly accessible Internet website.

Section 2005-H. Higher education cost transparency.

(a) General rule.--An institution of higher education shall provide the following information to a prospective student as part of the student's offer of enrollment at the institution of higher education or as part of the student's financial aid offer:

(1) An estimate of the total cost of attendance, including:

(i) Tuition for the student's first academic year.

(ii) A list of each fee charged to a student in the student's first academic year. The fees shall include both mandatory and optional fees.

(iii) A breakdown of all room and board options and the costs associated with each option for the student's first academic year.

(iv) Books and supplies.

(2) An estimate of the financial aid offered, as available, by the institution of higher education, including, but not limited to:

(i) All grants or scholarships that do not require repayment.

(ii) Student loans that require repayment.

(iii) Student employment options.

(3) An estimate of the net cost that subtracts any scholarships or grants being offered from the estimated total cost of attendance.

(4) An estimate of the total cost of attendance for subsequent years. The estimate may be provided through easily accessible electronic means and shall include:

(i) Information regarding whether or not the financial aid is being offered only for the upcoming academic year or if it is renewable for subsequent academic years. If the financial aid is renewable for subsequent academic years, the information shall include any requirements that must be met in order for renewal of the financial aid.

(ii) A history of the previous academic year's tuition.

(iii) An estimate of the total tuition that the student will be charged in each academic year necessary for the student to receive a degree in the student's major.

(iv) An estimate of the total amount of fees charged to a student in each academic year necessary for the student to receive a degree in the student's major.

(b) Disclosure to prospective student.--An institution of higher education shall use easily understood terms and clearly identify each piece of financial aid that a student must repay.

(c) Public availability.--Each institution of higher education shall make available on its publicly accessible Internet website an estimate of all tuition, fees and room and board that may be charged in an academic year.

Section 2006-H. Exit counseling.

(a) General rule.--Unless an individual selects not to participate, each institution of higher education shall make financial aid counseling available to each student at the end of the student's final academic term.

(b) Counseling for graduating students.--The financial aid counseling for a student who graduates at the end of the academic term shall, at a minimum, include:

(1) A list of all available Federal and State programs, including, if available, related websites and contact information, that may assist with payments, reductions or forgiveness of the individual's student loans.

(2) All available repayment options on student loans known to the institution of higher education and, if available, a link to an online student loan payment calculator.

(3) Information on when a student's loan payments will begin and information on assistance with delaying repayment of loans.

(4) Any other information that the institution of higher education deems necessary to help an exiting student understand options relating to repaying student loans.

(c) Counseling for students who transfer or withdraw.--With respect to a student who leaves an institution of higher education without the knowledge of the institution or transfers to another institution, the institution shall attempt to make financial aid counseling available to the student. If the institution is unable to get in contact with the student, the institution shall mail the information described in subsection (b) in writing to the student at the last known address on file.

(d) Method of counseling.--An institution of higher education may offer the counseling required under this section in person or virtually and may partner with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency or a similar entity to provide the required counseling.

Section 9. Article XX-I of the act is amended by adding a section to read:

Section 2004-I. Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program.

(a) Establishment.--The Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program is established within the department to award grants to public institutions of higher education that offer dual credit opportunities to high school students enrolled in a school entity.

(b) Use of funding.--Funding provided for the program shall be used for the purpose of increasing the capacity for public institutions of higher education to provide dual credit courses. Money awarded through a grant may be used for the following:

(1) To operate dual credit courses that are tuition free to high school students.

(2) To support public institutions of higher education in seeking external accreditation for their dual credit courses.

(3) To provide student academic supports to aid students enrolled in dual credit courses to be successful in the courses and to successfully transition to postsecondary education upon graduation from high school.

(4) To increase the use of no-cost or low-cost textbooks or course materials used in dual credit courses.

(5) To provide professional development activities for high school teachers to enable them to teach dual credit courses.

(c) Priority.--The department shall give priority in grant funding to public institutions of higher education that expand the current offerings of the public institution of higher education, with a particular emphasis on providing courses aligned with high-priority occupations and serving students experiencing education instability as defined in section 1331.1, students enrolled in career and technical education programs, low-income students, historically underserved student groups and students in rural areas of this Commonwealth.

(d) Additional priority.--If the department does not receive sufficient applications to expend the available funding under this section, the department may award grants for the uses under subsection (b) to State-related institutions and independent institutions of higher education.

(e) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede or preempt the rights, remedies and procedures afforded to school employees or labor organizations under Federal or State law, including the act of July 23, 1970 (P.L.563, No.195), known as the Public Employe Relations Act, or any provision of a collective bargaining agreement between a school entity and an exclusive representative of the employees in accordance with that act.

(f) Reporting and accountability.--For the purpose of improving data collection and transparency related to the value of dual credit courses to the success of students as they graduate high school and transition to postsecondary education, the department shall annually collect student-level data from grant recipients and use other existing data resources to inform the following measures and post aggregate, de-identified information related to all of the following on the department's publicly accessible Internet website:

(1) The demographics of students enrolled in dual credit courses.

(2) The high school graduation rate of students enrolled in dual credit courses.

(3) The percentage of economically disadvantaged students enrolled in dual credit courses and the percentage of students enrolled in dual credit courses who are economically disadvantaged.

(4) The percentage of dual credit students who enroll in a regionally accredited postsecondary institution the fall after graduation, within one year and within two years after high school graduation.

(5) The number of college credits earned by students enrolled in dual credit courses while in high school.

(6) An estimate of the cost savings to the families of students enrolled in dual credit courses.

(7) The percentage of dual credit students who enroll in an institution of higher education following high school graduation and go on to graduate or transfer to a four-year institution within two, three and four years of high school graduation.

(8) The percentage of dual credit students who enroll in an institution of higher education following high school graduation and go on to graduate in four, five or six years.

(9) The percentage of dual credit students who attend postsecondary institutions located in this Commonwealth following graduation compared to those who attend out-of-State postsecondary institutions.

(g) Definitions.--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.

"Dual credit." Credit received under an agreement between a school entity and an institution of higher education approved to operate in this Commonwealth in which a student earns both high school and postsecondary credit by taking a single postsecondary course.

"Grant." A grant provided under the program.

"Independent institution of higher education." An institution of higher education operated not for profit, located and incorporated or chartered by the Commonwealth and entitled to confer degrees as provided in 24 Pa.C.S. § 6505 (relating to power to confer degrees) and which applies to itself the designation "college" or "university" as provided for by the standards and qualifications prescribed by the State Board of Education under 24 Pa.C.S. Ch. 65 (relating to private colleges, universities and seminaries).

"Institution of higher education." The term includes an independent institution of higher education, public institution of higher education and a State-related institution.

"Program." The Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program established in this section.

"Public institution of higher education." An institution of the State System of Higher Education established under Article XX-A, a community college established under Article XIX-A, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology established under Article XIX-B, the Pennsylvania College of Technology or the rural regional college established under Article XIX-G upon accreditation.

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

"State-related institution." The Pennsylvania State University, including the Pennsylvania College of Technology, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University and Lincoln University and their branch campuses.

Section 10. The act is amended by adding an article to read:

ARTICLE XX-L

INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

SUBARTICLE A

PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

Section 2001-L. Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Agency." The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

"Board." The State Board of Higher Education established under section 2010-L.

"Community college." An institution created under Article XIX-A or the act of August 24, 1963 (P.L.1132, No.484), known as the Community College Act of 1963.

"Council." The Performance-based Funding Council established under Subarticle C.

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

"Financial aid." Funding to help a student pay for postsecondary education, including grants, work study, loans and scholarships.

"High-priority occupation." An occupation identified by the Department of Labor and Industry under the act of December 18, 2001 (P.L.949, No.114), known as the Workforce Development Act.

"Higher Education Scholarship Law." The act of January 25, 1966 (1965 P.L.1546, No.541), referred to as the Higher Education Scholarship Law.

"Independent institution of higher education." An institution of higher education which is operated not for profit, located in and incorporated or chartered by the Commonwealth and entitled to confer degrees as specified in 24 Pa.C.S. § 6505 (relating to power to confer degrees) and to apply to itself the designation "college" or "university" as provided for by the standards and qualifications prescribed by the State Board of Education under 24 Pa.C.S. Ch. 65 (relating to private colleges, universities and seminaries).

"Institution of higher education." As defined in section 1501-L.

"Institutional aid." Financial aid offered to an eligible student directly by an institution of higher education, including merit aid, gift aid and athletic awards.

"Pell Grant." The Federal Pell Grant or any successor program.

"Pennsylvania State grant." A grant or scholarship awarded under the Higher Education Scholarship Law.

"Private scholarship." Financial aid awards funded by entities other than the Federal or State Government, including awards by companies, service groups, foundations, organizations and individuals.

"Public institution of higher education." A State-owned university, community college or State-related university.

"State-owned university." An institution which is part of the State System of Higher Education under Article XX-A.

"State-related university." The Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University and Lincoln University.

"System." The State System of Higher Education established under Article XX-A.

SUBARTICLE B

COORDINATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Section 2010-L. State Board of Higher Education.

(a) Establishment.--The State Board of Higher Education is established within the department.

(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the board is to provide direction, coordination and support to ensure that institutions of higher education fully meet the workforce and economic development needs of this Commonwealth and ensure that all residents of this Commonwealth have access to affordable, world-class postsecondary education.

(c) Membership and appointment.--The board shall consist of the voting members specified in this subsection. In making appointments to the board, the Governor shall ensure that the appointee is a Pennsylvania resident and has the background and experience suitable for performing the statutory responsibility of a member of the board. Membership of the board shall be as follows:

(1) The Secretary of Education or a designee who shall be an employee of the department.

(2) The Secretary of Labor and Industry or a designee who shall be an employee of the Department of Labor and Industry.

(3) One member of the Senate appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate or a designee who shall be an employee of the Senate.

(4) One member of the Senate appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate or a designee who shall be an employee of the Senate.

(5) One member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives or a designee who shall be an employee of the House of Representatives.

(6) One member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives or a designee who shall be an employee of the House of Representatives.

(7) Members appointed by the Governor, in accordance with paragraph (8), as follows:

(i) One representative of a State-owned university who must be a president, administrator or local trustee.

(ii) One representative of the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education.

(iii) One representative of a community college who must be a president, administrator or board member.

(iv) One representative of an independent institution of higher education who must be a president, administrator or board member.

(v) Four representatives, one from each State-related university, who must be presidents, chancellors, administrators or local trustees.

(vi) Two representatives of a union representing employees at public institutions of higher education who may not be from the same institutions of higher education as the representatives under subparagraph (i) or (iii).

(vii) Two representatives of business.

(viii) Two student representatives, one of whom is a student at an independent institution and one of whom is a student at a public institution of higher education.

(ix) One representative of the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.

(8) The Governor shall make the appointments under:

(i) paragraph (7)(iii) from a list of three names submitted by the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges;

(ii) paragraph (7)(iv) from a list of three names submitted by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; and

(iii) paragraph (7)(vii) from a list of five names submitted by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

(9) If an entity under paragraph (8) fails to submit a list within 20 days of the establishment of the board or of a vacancy of a member under paragraph (7), the Governor shall appoint a qualified individual to fill the vacancy.

(d) Term.--The term of office of appointed members under subsection (c)(7)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vii) and (ix) shall be for a period of six years or until a successor is appointed and qualified, except that, of the initial appointees, the Governor shall designate three members to serve terms of two years, four members to serve terms of four years and four members to serve terms of six years. The Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Labor and Industry shall serve as long as they continue in office. Members of the board appointed by the General Assembly shall serve a term of office concurrent with their respective elective terms as members of the General Assembly. The student members appointed by the Governor under subsection (c)(7)(viii) shall serve a term of two years or upon graduation, separation or failure to maintain good academic standing at the institution of higher education in which the students are enrolled. The members under subsection (c)(7)(vi) may not serve more than one consecutive term of two years and may not be from the same union.

(e) Organization.--The Governor shall designate a chair and vice chair of the board. The members shall select from among themselves such officers as they deem necessary.

(f) Quorum and meetings.--

(1) A majority of members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.

(2) The board shall meet to conduct official business no less than once every three months or by the call of the chair.

(g) Expenses.--Members shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for the expenses necessarily incurred by them in the performance of their duties.

(h) Initial appointment and vacancies.--An appointing authority shall appoint members to the board within 30 days of the establishment of the board. If a vacancy occurs on the board, the appointing authority shall appoint a successor member within 30 days of the vacancy.

(i) Removal of board members.--An appointed member who fails to attend three consecutive board meetings shall forfeit their membership on the board, unless the chair, upon written request from the member, determines that the member should be excused from a meeting or meetings for good cause.

(j) Administrative services and staff.--

(1) The board shall select an individual to serve as the executive director.

(2) The department shall, in consultation with the executive director, provide administrative services and additional staff to the board. The board shall be entitled to legal counsel as designated by the Office of General Counsel.

(k) Applicability.--In addition to all applicable laws, regulations and policies, the following acts shall apply to the board:

(1) The act of July 19, 1957 (P.L.1017, No.451), known as the State Adverse Interest Act.

(2) The act of February 14, 2008 (P.L.6, No.3), known as the Right-to-Know Law.

(3) The provisions of 65 Pa.C.S. Chs. 7 (relating to open meetings) and 11 (relating to ethics standards and financial disclosure).

Section 2011-L. Powers and duties of State Board of Higher Education.

(a) General rule.--The board is charged with promoting quality, accessible and affordable postsecondary education throughout this Commonwealth by developing, planning and advancing the higher education policy agenda of the Commonwealth to address the challenges facing Pennsylvania.

(b) General powers.--The board shall have and may exercise all powers appropriate to carry out and effectuate the board's purposes under this article, including, but not limited to:

(1) Adopt bylaws, if necessary.

(2) Make and execute contracts, grants and other instruments in accordance with this article.

(3) Apply for and receive money from any source consistent with the purposes of this article.

(4) Establish subcommittees and advisory committees composed as the chair or board deems necessary.

(5) Hold public hearings, solicit public comment and seek stakeholder input on the direction of higher education in this Commonwealth.

(6) Perform other operational activities necessary or appropriate to further the purposes of this article.

(c) Duties.--The board shall perform all duties appropriate to carry out and effectuate the board's purposes under this article, including, but not limited to:

(1) Develop and advance a higher education strategic plan and make recommendations that promote greater postsecondary access, quality, affordability and accountability.

(2) Develop policy recommendations, including:

(i) New programs to align to workforce needs.

(ii) Efficient and effective use of State money for higher education.

(3) (i) Create and maintain a database for the collection and analysis of postsecondary data to inform the board's policy recommendations and assess the progress of the strategic plan goals, including postsecondary education and workforce outcomes.

(ii) Data collection under this paragraph shall be limited and reduced to the extent feasible.

(iii) To the extent possible, the board shall prioritize collecting information from data reported to Federal and State entities and accrediting agencies.

(iv) Annually, the board shall report postsecondary data elements collected from institutions of higher education under this paragraph. The report shall be transmitted to the General Assembly and posted on the board's publicly accessible Internet website.

(v) The provisions of section 118 shall not apply to data collected under this paragraph.

(4) Promote the coordination and cooperation of institutions of higher education to increase postsecondary credentials and degrees to:

(i) Increase broad access to high quality and affordable postsecondary credentials and degrees.

(ii) Promote the seamless transfer of credits and credentials, including increasing community college transfers to institutions of higher education.

(iii) Utilize dual-enrollment credit to create strong pathways to postsecondary education and reduce time to degree.

(iv) Meet the economic and workforce development needs of this Commonwealth with a focus on meeting the needs of current and future high-priority occupations.

(5) In conjunction with the K-12 sector, coordinate workforce development and economic development sectors, with a focus on meeting the needs of high-priority occupations, to develop affordable pathways to postsecondary credentials that are aligned to current and future workforce and economic needs.

(6) Establish the council to carry out the purposes of Subarticle C.

(7) At the request of an institution of higher education, assist institutions of higher education with assessing their fiscal health and provide technical support.

(8) Recommend to the General Assembly employer incentives to assist employees with attaining skills by focusing on career and technical degree programs in high-priority occupations.

(9) Develop recommendations for repurposing and reducing underutilized facilities and maximizing their use.

(d) Transfer of powers and duties.--

(1) All powers and duties of the State Board of Education and the Council of Higher Education under Article XIX-A shall be transferred to the board. This paragraph does not apply to any application for a withdrawal of sponsorship under section 1910-A filed prior to the effective date of this paragraph.

(2) All powers and duties of the State Board of Education and the Council of Higher Education under Article XXVI-B related to community colleges shall be transferred to the board.

(3) All files, records, contracts, agreements and other materials which are used by the State Board of Education or the Council of Higher Education in connection with the powers, duties or functions exercised by the State Board of Education or the Council of Higher Education related to community colleges are hereby transferred to the board.

(4) A regulation adopted under Article XIX-A shall be enforced by the board in collaboration with the State Board of Education and shall continue to have the same force and effect until modified or revised by the board. The board may promulgate regulations in order to implement this subsection.

(5) The board, in consultation with the State Board of Education, shall make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly no later than May 1, 2025, regarding the appropriate delineation of roles and responsibilities of the board, State Board of Education and department related to higher education, including recommended legislation to update Articles XIX-A and XXVI-B, and other related provisions of this act.

(e) Coordination with State and local entities.--The board shall:

(1) In consultation with the department, promote strong pathways from grades K-12 through postsecondary credentials and degrees.

(2) In consultation with the State Board of Education, promote greater postsecondary access, quality and affordability, including the use and quality of dual credit, apprenticeships and career and technical pathways.

(3) In consultation with the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board and local workforce development boards, support institutions of higher education to offer programs in high-priority occupations and apprenticeships that meet this Commonwealth's current and future workforce needs.

(4) In consultation with the State Board of Private Licensed Schools, make legislative recommendations related to the act of December 15, 1986 (P.L.1585, No.174), known as the Private Licensed Schools Act.

(f) Closure of institutions of higher education.--

(1) No later than July 1, 2026, the board shall develop procedures for an institution of higher education to follow when the institution of higher education, whether or not chartered in this Commonwealth, proposes taking action to discontinue operations. The procedures shall include a plan for the orderly closure of the institution of higher education, including, but not limited to, a teach-out plan, preservation and accessibility of student and administrative records, and notification to employees as required by 29 U.S.C. Ch. 23 (relating to worker adjustment and retraining notification).

(2) The board may, contingent on the availability of funds, enter into an agreement with a third party to establish a centralized repository of student and employee records for an institution of higher education that closes and fails to place student records into a readily accessible depository. An institution of higher education proposing to discontinue operations may request assistance from the board relating to discontinuance of the institution of higher education's operations.

(3) To the extent permitted by Federal and State law, Commonwealth funds may be withheld from an institution of higher education provided that:

(i) No funds may be withheld prior to the institution of higher education's formal vote and subsequent notification of closure.

(ii) No funds may be withheld from services which have been previously provided or will be provided prior to the date of closure.

(iii) No funds provided for student financial aid may be withheld on the basis of this section prior to the date of closure or at such time that the student is no longer enrolled at the institution of higher education.

Section 2012-L. Annual funding request.

In addition to the submission required under section 610 of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, a public institution of higher education shall provide a copy of its budget request to the board.

Section 2013-L. Long-term strategic planning.

(a) Development of strategic plan.--The board shall be responsible for developing a higher education strategic plan for the Commonwealth which shall:

(1) Identify long-term, measurable goals and provide strategies for implementing those goals.

(2) Assess the higher education needs of this Commonwealth as well as each region of this Commonwealth.

(3) Include components required of the master plan for higher education under section 2603-B(h).

(b) Adoption of strategic plan.--No later than September 1, 2025, the board shall adopt a higher education strategic plan. The plan shall be reviewed and revised, as necessary, every five years.

(c) Consultation.--In development of the strategic plan, the board shall:

(1) Consult with and seek input from stakeholders.

(2) Make the strategic plan available for review and public comment for a period of not less than 30 days.

(3) Hold at least six regional public hearings as part of the public comment process under paragraph (2).

(d) Annual reports.--Beginning May 1, 2026, and each May 1 thereafter, the board shall develop an annual report which shall include an update on the progress of the implementation of the higher education strategic plan. As part of the first annual report, the board shall include a review and make recommendations related to the efficacy of the structure and operation of the board.

(e) Transmittal of strategic plan and annual reports.--The board shall post the strategic plan and annual reports on its publicly accessible Internet website and transmit them to the following individuals:

(1) The Governor.

(2) The General Assembly.

(3) The president of each institution of higher education.

(4) The president of each bargaining unit that represents employees at institutions of higher education.

Section 11. This act shall take effect immediately.

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

JOSH SHAPIRO