Pennsylvania legislation · 2025-2026 Regular Session
Pennsylvania HB2697: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for exceptional children and education and training.
Status: In committee, July 15, 2026
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 pupils and attendance, further providing for exceptional children and education and training.
From the introduced text, July 15, 2026:
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 pupils and attendance, further providing for exceptional children and education and training. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Section 1372 of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a paragraph to Education and Training.--* * * (9) Burden of Proof for Exceptional Children. (i) Whenever a due process hearing is held in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 91-230, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.) regarding the identification, evaluation, reevaluation, classification, educational placement or disciplinary action of, or the provision of a free appropriate public education to, an exceptional child, and a local educational agency is a party: (A) Except as provided in clause (B), the local educational agency has the burden of proof. (B) In a case involving a determination of the appropriateness of a private school placement unilaterally selected by a parent or guardian of the exceptional child, the parent or guardian of the exceptional child has the burden of proof. (ii) As used in this subsection, the term "local educational agency" shall have …
Sponsors
- Joseph Webster (D, 150) · primary sponsor
- Liz Hanbidge (D, HD-061)
- Mandy Steele (D, 33)
- Manuel Guzman (D, 127)
- Jeanne McNeill (D, 133)
- Aerion Abney (D, 19)
- Danielle Otten (D, 155)
- Benjamin Sanchez (D, 153)
- Steven Malagari (D, 53)
- Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D, 129)
- Gina Curry (D, 164)
Latest actions
- : Referred to EDUCATION, July 15, 2026
Common questions
- What is HB2697?
- HB2697 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 pupils and attendance, further providing for exceptional children and education and training.
- What does HB2697 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 pupils and attendance, further providing for exceptional children and education and training.
- What is the status of HB2697?
- In committee as of July 15, 2026. Latest action: Referred to EDUCATION, July 15, 2026 (July 15, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2697?
- Joseph Webster (D, 150), with 10 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB2697?
- On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2697
Source: official Pennsylvania record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.