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HB 2308

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in institutions of higher education, establishing the PA WORKS Scholarship Grant Program and the trade career-incentive tax credit.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aerion Abney and 25 co-sponsors

Establishes PA WORKS scholarships for postsecondary and trade training and a trade career-incentive tax credit to encourage entering and staying in skilled trades.

Referred to Education
0
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Bill Summary · HB 2308

Summary of HB 2308 (Session 2025-2026) — Pennsylvania

Title: An Act amending the Public School Code of 1949, in institutions of higher education, establishing the PA WORKS Scholarship Grant Program and the trade career-incentive tax credit.

Note: The provided text for this request appears to include content primarily related to California CPS law rather than Pennsylvania-specific bill text. The summary below is based on the bill title and typical structure of such Pennsylvania legislation. If you have the actual Pennsylvania bill text, please share it for a precise, bill-specific summary.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a PA WORKS Scholarship Grant Program to support students pursuing higher education and training.
  • Create a trade career-incentive tax credit designed to encourage individuals to enter and remain in trade fields.
  • Amend the Public School Code of 1949 (specifically the portion governing higher education) to integrate these new programs and incentives.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • PA WORKS Scholarship Grant Program

    • Establishment: Create a state-supported grant program aimed at students seeking postsecondary education or trade/technical training.
    • Eligibility: Likely based on residency, enrollment status, and financial need or merit criteria (exact criteria would be in the bill’s text).
    • Use of Funds: Grants to cover tuition, fees, and possibly related costs (books, equipment, or living expenses tied to training programs).
    • Administration: Program administration details (eligibility determination, grant amounts, renewal requirements, and clawback/recapture provisions if conditions are not met).

  • Trade Career-Incentive Tax Credit

    • Purpose: Offer an income tax credit to individuals who pursue or remain in trade industries (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical, manufacturing, skilled labor).
    • Credit Amounts: Specific dollar-for-dollar amounts or percentage of eligible expenses or wages; may include cap limits per taxpayer and program duration.
    • Eligibility and Carryforward: Rules about claiming the credit, any required credential attainment, and whether unused credits can be carried forward to future tax years.
    • Interaction with Other Programs: How this credit interacts with other state incentives, grants, or federal programs.

  • Amendments to the Public School Code of 1949

    • Higher Education Provisions: Modifications to existing code sections governing higher education funding, scholarship programs, or grant oversight.
    • Administrative Structure: Potential changes to the Department of Education or related state agencies to administer PA WORKS and the tax credit program.
    • Accountability: Reporting requirements, performance metrics, and sunset/renewal provisions to assess program effectiveness.

3) Affected Parties

  • Students

    • Prospective and current postsecondary students, including those seeking traditional college degrees and technical/trade certificates.
    • Eligible students could receive grants to reduce tuition/related costs.

  • Trade Sector Workers and Students

    • Individuals pursuing trade and technical careers who may benefit from state tax credits.

  • Higher Education Institutions and Trade Schools

    • Institutions could experience increased demand from students eligible for PA WORKS grants.

  • Pennsylvania Taxpayers

    • State residents who may benefit indirectly through workforce development and also bear the fiscal impact of tax credits and funded grants.

  • State Agencies

    • Department of Education and possibly the Treasury or a related agency charged with administering grants, credits, and reporting.

4) Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Legislative Process

    • Referred to the Education Committee (as of the action history: 2026-03-23: Referred to Education).
    • Timeline for committee hearings, amendments, and floor votes would follow standard Pennsylvania process.

  • Funding and Fiscal Notes

    • The bill would require appropriation or authorization of funds for the PA WORKS grants.
    • Tax credits would have estimated revenue impact; potential need for a cap and sunset provision to assess fiscal sustainability.

  • Implementation

    • Once enacted, there would be a phased rollout, with application periods for grants and processes to claim the tax credit.
    • Administrative rules or regulations likely to follow to define eligibility, grant cycles, and verification.

If you can provide the actual Pennsylvania bill text or clarify whether the provided content is the intended bill, I can deliver a precise, line-item style summary with exact provisions, eligibility criteria, dollar amounts, dates, and timelines.

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

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