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HB 2552

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in career and technical education, providing for temporary waiver.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aerion Abney and 13 co-sponsors

The bill would add temporary waivers to Pennsylvania’s career and technical education rules to provide flexible, time-limited regulatory relief for CTE program delivery.

Referred to Education
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2552

Overview

HB 2552 (2025-2026 Session, Pennsylvania) would amend the Public School Code of 1949 (Act of March 10, 1949, P.L. 30, No. 14) to address career and technical education (CTE) with provisions related to temporary waivers. The bill has a broad group of sponsors and co-sponsors.

Purpose and intent

  • To modify provisions within the Public School Code governing career and technical education, with a specific emphasis on the use or availability of temporary waivers.
  • The underlying aim appears to be increasing flexibility for schools to implement CTE programs or respond to short-term operational needs by allowing temporary regulatory waivers under certain circumstances.

Key provisions and changes (as described by the bill title and scope)

  • Amends the act related to CTE within the Public School Code.
  • Introduces or codifies temporary waivers as a tool to address CTE program delivery, enrollment, scheduling, or related administrative requirements.
  • The exact mechanisms, eligibility criteria, duration, renewal process, reporting requirements, and safeguards for these waivers would be defined in the text of the bill (not provided here). Typically, such waivers could pertain to:
    • Scheduling or pacing of CTE courses
    • Program prerequisites or sequencing
    • Accreditation or competency assessment timelines
    • Facility or equipment requirements for CTE programs
    • Partnerships with postsecondary institutions or industry partners

Who would be affected

  • Public school districts, career and technical centers, and other entities delivering CTE programs in Pennsylvania.
  • School administrators responsible for CTE program planning, budgeting, and compliance.
  • Students enrolled in or seeking enrollment in CTE pathways who could benefit from more flexible program delivery during periods of labor shortages, funding gaps, facility repairs, or other disruptions.
  • Educators and administrators involved in program approval processes and waivers.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • The bill would operate within the existing framework of the Public School Code, adding a waiver authority specific to CTE provisions.
  • Timing, renewal, and oversight: Typically, waivers would include a defined duration, renewal conditions, reporting requirements to a state education authority, and potential sunset or review provisions.
  • Safeguards and accountability: The bill would likely establish criteria to prevent abuse of waivers, ensure student learning outcomes are preserved, and require remediation or corrective actions if waivers impact program quality.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Flexibility: Schools could adapt CTE offerings more rapidly in response to workforce needs, funding pressures, or logistical challenges.
  • Access and equity: If used effectively, waivers could maintain or expand access to high-quality CTE opportunities during disruptions.
  • Oversight: Proper reporting and accountability provisions would be important to monitor impact on student outcomes and program integrity.
  • Stakeholder input: Given the bipartisan sponsorship, the bill may incorporate input from educational stakeholders, industry partners, and local districts.

Notes

  • Specific text detailing eligibility, procedures, duration, and conditions for waivers is required for a precise assessment of impact.
  • As introduced, the bill signals a policy direction toward enabling temporary regulatory flexibility within CTE programs under the Public School Code.

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

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