Pennsylvania legislation · 2025-2026 Regular Session
Pennsylvania HB2698: 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 youth suicide awareness and prevention and providing for violence prevention and social isolation awareness.
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 terms and courses of study, further providing for youth suicide awareness and prevention and providing for violence prevention and social isolation awareness.
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 terms and courses of study, further providing for youth suicide awareness and prevention and providing for violence prevention and social isolation awareness. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Section 1526 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 subsection to read: Section 1526. Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention.--* * * (c.1) The following shall apply to student suicide awareness and prevention education: (1) Beginning with the first school year that commences within twenty-four (24) months of the effective date of this subsection, each school entity serving students in grades six through twelve shall provide students at least one (1) hour or one (1) standard class period of evidence-based, age-appropriate suicide awareness and prevention education each school year. The following shall apply: (i) A school entity may deliver the education in person or by electronic means. (ii) A school entity may use a combined program that satisfies this subsection and section 1526.1(a) to meet the requirement under this paragraph. (2) Within one (1) year of the effective date of this …