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HR 540

A Resolution recognizing June 15, 2026, as "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and 13 co-sponsors

Directs a statewide study by the Joint State Government Commission on school discipline policies, creating an advisory committee and producing a final report with reform recommenda

Adopted
0
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Bill Summary · HR 540

Summary of HR 540 (Session 2025-2026, Pennsylvania)

Note: Based on the provided bill text and related materials, HR 540 appears to be a House Resolution from the 2015-2016 session recognizing the importance of school discipline policy reform and directing a study by the Joint State Government Commission. The current action history in 2026 shows newly added co-sponsors and referral in a different policy area (Aging & Older Adult Services). The summary below reflects the substantive content of HR 540 as originally introduced and as reflected in the documented legislative history.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The primary purpose of HR 540 is to direct the Joint State Government Commission (JSGC) to undertake a comprehensive study of school discipline policies, laws, and regulations in Pennsylvania.
  • The resolution aims to examine current discipline practices, with a focus on evaluating zero-tolerance policies and related regulatory frameworks.
  • It seeks to establish an advisory committee to assist with the study and to produce a comprehensive report outlining findings and policy recommendations.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a statewide, comprehensive review of school discipline policies, laws, and regulations in public schools.
  • Requires the creation of an advisory committee to provide input and recommendations during the study process.
  • Mandates the preparation of a final report detailing:
    • Findings on existing discipline policies and their effectiveness or drawbacks.
    • Recommendations for reform or modernization of discipline policies and related statutes/regulations.
    • Possible impact analysis on students, school climate, and educational outcomes.
  • The report is to address issues related to zero-tolerance policies and broader discipline practices, with an emphasis on evidence-based approaches.

3) Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Public school students and school communities (including administrators, teachers, and support staff) would be affected through potential policy reforms recommended by the advisory committee.
  • Pennsylvania's public school system would be influenced by any revised discipline policies, which could impact discipline procedures, student rights, and school safety frameworks.
  • The Joint State Government Commission, as the study agent, and the advisory committee members would be directly involved in conducting the study and producing recommendations.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The resolution directs the JSGC to undertake a comprehensive study and to establish an advisory committee to assist in the process.
  • A formal report detailing findings and policy recommendations is to be produced and submitted as part of the study’s outcome.
  • The bill was introduced and went through committee scrutiny (Education) in the 2015-2016 session, passing amendments and an eventual floor adoption with broad support (198-0 in the final floor vote for the amended version).
  • The document history indicates initial referral to the Education Committee, followed by reported amendments and adoption in October 2015.
  • In 2026, the action history shows additional sponsorship and a referral to Aging & Older Adult Services, reflecting evolving legislative priorities or reintroduction in a different context, but the core content described above pertains to the original HR 540.

5) Notable Details

  • Original sponsor: Representative Warren Kampf, with a broad coalition of co-sponsors from both major parties.
  • Final status (historical): Adopted as amended in Oct. 2015 in the 2015-2016 session.
  • Provisions emphasize a non-binding, study-focused approach designed to inform future policymaking rather than impose immediate statutory changes.

If you need, I can tailor this summary to reflect any updates from the 2025-2026 session or integrate the 2026 co-sponsor and referral information into a combined current-status overview.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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