The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 by adding a new article, ARTICLE XXVI-M, which focuses on capital investment needs for school entities in Pennsylvania. It establishes definitions for key terms such as "COVID-19," "Department," and "School entity." The Department of Education is tasked with conducting a one-time survey of each school entity to assess their current capital investment needs, which includes evaluating physical, digital, sanitary, and curricular infrastructure, as well as any delayed or deferred capital projects. The survey results will be compiled into a report that details the actual and predicted capital investment needs through the 2027-2028 school year, specifically addressing costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, the bill outlines the reporting requirements for school entities, mandating them to provide comprehensive inventories of their infrastructure costs, sanitation measures, and any major equipment purchases since January 2020. The Department of Education is also authorized to promulgate temporary regulations to facilitate the implementation of this article, which will expire two years after publication. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 747 (Feb 25, 2025): P.L.30, No.14
Printer's No. 0747: P.L.30, No.14