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SB 1343

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, establishing the Commission for Career and Technical Education Excellence and further providing for career and technical education equipment grants; and, in community colleges, providing for building and construction trades pre-apprenticeship initiatives and establishing the Building and Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Grant Program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Boscola and 8 co-sponsors

The bill strengthens CTE by creating a dedicated commission, funding equipment grants, and expanding pre-apprenticeship in building trades to improve access and alignment with work

Referred to Education
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Bill Summary · SB 1343

Summary of SB 1343 (Session 2025-2026, Pennsylvania)

Main purpose and intent

SB 1343 amends the Public School Code of 1949 to advance career and technical education (CTE) and pre-apprenticeship opportunities. The bill creates a framework to strengthen CTE through the establishment of a dedicated Commission for Career and Technical Education Excellence, enhances equipment grants for CTE programs, and expands building and construction trades pre-apprenticeship initiatives within community colleges. The overall goal is to improve access to high-quality CTE and pre-apprenticeship pathways for students and align Pennsylvania’s workforce preparation with industry needs.

Key provisions and changes

  • Commission for Career and Technical Education Excellence

    • Establishes a new commission focused on promoting and coordinating career and technical education initiatives across the state.
    • Likely responsibilities include setting standards, guiding program development, and overseeing implementation of CTE improvements (specific duties are not detailed in the provided text but are implied by establishment of the commission).

  • Career and Technical Education equipment grants

    • Amends provisions to provide for CTE equipment grants.
    • Aims to fund modernization and expansion of hands-on training facilities and equipment important for high-quality CTE programs.

  • Building and Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Initiatives (in community colleges)

    • Expands or establishes pre-apprenticeship initiatives in building and construction trades within community colleges. -: Supports structured pre-apprenticeship experiences intended to prepare students for entry into skilled trades.

  • Building and Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Grant Program (new program)

    • Creates a grant program specifically for Building and Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeships.
    • Grants would presumably support program development, partnerships with industry, participant recruitment, and related activities (exact grant criteria and funding levels are not specified in the text provided).

Who would be affected

  • Students and prospective workers

    • Those pursuing CTE pathways and construction trades, including students at high school and community college levels seeking hands-on, industry-aligned training.

  • CTE programs and schools

    • Public schools offering CTE programs and community colleges would gain access to new equipment grants and pre-apprenticeship initiatives, potentially expanding capacity and improving program quality.

  • Commission and state entities

    • The new Commission for Career and Technical Education Excellence would interact with state education agencies, schools, and industry partners to oversee and coordinate efforts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill includes a standard effective date provision: it would take effect 60 days after enactment.
  • Current action: Referred to the Education Committee as of May 26, 2026, indicating legislative progress and potential consideration by lawmakers.
  • The text indicates alignment with Title 23 (Domestic Relations) sections in the provided excerpt; however, the core CTE provisions are separate and focus on education and workforce development rather than family/domestic relations. (Note: The excerpt provided appears to include text from a different bill related to protection from abuse; the summary above focuses on the bill described in the title and the bill’s stated purpose.)

Potential impact and considerations

  • Increased investment in CTE infrastructure through equipment grants could enhance the quality and relevance of training.
  • A state-level Commission could improve coordination, standards, and accountability across CTE programs.
  • Expansion of pre-apprenticeship pathways in construction trades may bolster the skilled trades pipeline and align training with labor market needs.
  • Details such as funding amounts, program eligibility, grant application processes, and governance for the Commission are not specified in the provided text and would influence implementation and oversight.

If you’d like, I can outline a questions-for-legislators checklist or draft a more detailed impact assessment once the bill’s specific fiscal notes, grant criteria, and governing structure are available.

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

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