Pennsylvania HB17: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code.

What the bill says

An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applicable as well to private and parochial schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the laws relating thereto," in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code.

From the introduced text, January 8, 2025:

An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applicable as well to private and parochial schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the laws relating thereto," in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Section 1511 of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended to Flag Code.--In every elementary public and private school, established and maintained in this Commonwealth, the following subjects shall be taught, in the English language and from English texts: English, including spelling, reading [and], writing, including print, joined italics and cursive handwriting, arithmetic, geography, the history of the United States and of Pennsylvania, civics, including loyalty to the State and National Government, safety education, and the humane treatment of birds and animals, health, including physical education, and physiology, music and art. Other subjects shall be taught in the public elementary schools and also in the public high schools as may be prescribed by the standards of the State Board of Education. All such subjects, except foreign languages, shall be taught in the English language and from English texts: Provided, however, That, at the discretion of the [Superintendent of Public Instruction] Secretary of …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Dane Watro (R, 116) · primary sponsor
• Milou Mackenzie (R, 131)
• Jill Cooper (R, 55)
• Bryan CUTLER (R, 100)
• Joseph Hamm (R, 84)
• Ed Neilson (D, HD-174)
• Kathy RAPP (R, 065)
• Robert KAUFFMAN (R, 089)
• Robert FREEMAN (D, 136)
• Timothy Twardzik (R, 123)
• Robert James (R, 64)
• David Rowe (R, 85)

Latest actions

1. February 11, 2026: Act No. 2 of 2026, Feb. 11, 2026
2. February 11, 2026: Approved by the Governor, Feb. 11, 2026
3. February 4, 2026: Presented to the Governor, Feb. 4, 2026
4. February 4, 2026: Signed in Senate, Feb. 4, 2026
5. February 4, 2026: Signed in House, Feb. 4, 2026
6. February 3, 2026: Third consideration and final passage, Feb. 3, 2026 (42-5)
7. November 18, 2025: Re-reported as committed, Nov. 18, 2025
8. July 17, 2025: Re-referred to APPROPRIATIONS, July 17, 2025
9. July 17, 2025: Second consideration, July 17, 2025
10. July 16, 2025: First consideration, July 16, 2025

Votes

• Third consideration and final passage, Feb. 3, 2026 (42-5) (February 3, 2026): 42 yea, 5 nay, passed
• Senate Appropriations: Re-Reported as Committed (November 18, 2025): 20 yea, 1 nay, passed
• Senate Education: Reported as Committed (July 16, 2025): 9 yea, 2 nay, passed
• Third consideration and final passage, June 24, 2025 (195-8) (June 24, 2025): 195 yea, 8 nay, passed
• House Appropriations: Re-report Bill As Committed (June 24, 2025): 37 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Education: Report Bill As Committed (May 7, 2025): 26 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB17?

HB17 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code.

What does HB17 do?

In its own words: An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applicable as well to private and parochial schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the laws relating thereto," in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code.

What is the status of HB17?

Signed into law as of February 11, 2026. Latest action: Act No. 2 of 2026, Feb. 11, 2026 (February 11, 2026).

Who sponsored HB17?

Dane Watro (R, 116), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB17?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb17