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Bill

HB 794

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in community colleges, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of State Board of Education and for degrees.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 15 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill modifies community college oversight, State Board powers, and degree-granting authority under the Public School Code.

Referred to Professional Licensure
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Bill Summary · HB 794

Legislative bill overview

HB 794 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code of 1949 to modify how community colleges operate under state oversight. The bill revises definitions, expands the powers and duties of the State Board of Education regarding community colleges, and makes changes to degree-granting authority. Specific substantive details are not publicly available in the bill summary provided.

Why is this important

Community colleges serve as critical access points for affordable higher education and workforce training in Pennsylvania. Changes to their regulatory framework, board oversight, and degree-granting powers could affect institutional flexibility, program offerings, accreditation requirements, and student pathways. These modifications may impact both institutional operations and the approximately 200,000+ students enrolled in Pennsylvania's community college system.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of State Board authority — Expanding board powers over community colleges could centralize decision-making or impose new compliance requirements, potentially limiting institutional autonomy versus ensuring consistent quality standards
  • Degree-granting modifications — Changes to what degrees community colleges can award may affect program offerings, labor market responsiveness, or transfer agreements with four-year institutions
  • Definition changes — Revised definitions of community colleges themselves could alter funding mechanisms, eligibility for programs, or institutional classification in ways benefiting or burdening certain colleges differently

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

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