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Bill

HB 613

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for comparison tool.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Hamm and 5 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill expands higher education comparison tool requirements to increase institutional accountability and student transparency in college selection decisions.

Referred to Education
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 613

Legislative bill overview

HB 613 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code of 1949 to enhance higher education accountability and transparency, specifically by improving or expanding a comparison tool for higher education institutions. The bill's exact provisions regarding the comparison tool's scope, data requirements, or functionality are not detailed in the available information.

Why is this important

Higher education comparison tools help students and families make informed decisions about college selection by providing accessible data on costs, graduation rates, employment outcomes, and program quality. Improving transparency in this area can reduce information asymmetries and help prospective students evaluate institutional value, particularly important given rising tuition costs and student debt concerns.

Potential points of contention

  • Data privacy and collection burden: Mandating new data collection or reporting requirements could impose administrative costs on institutions and raise concerns about student privacy and proprietary information disclosure
  • Tool accessibility and usability: Questions about whether the comparison tool will be user-friendly for all populations, including first-generation and non-traditional students, and how metrics are selected and weighted
  • Definition of accountability metrics: Stakeholders may disagree on which performance indicators matter most (affordability, graduation rates, job placement, student satisfaction) and whether the tool adequately captures educational quality

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

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