Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that amends the public welfare laws of Pennsylvania to ensure consistency across administration of assistance in programs.

Highlights:

• Authorizes taxpayer-funded private school tuition vouchers to parents of eligible students in low-performing school districts and appropriates $3.7 million for costs related to the implementation of this bill (Sec. 1).

• Defines “eligible students” as a school-age child who meets the following, including (Sec. 1):

• Is a resident of the commonwealth state of Pennsylvania;

• Has not received a high school diploma and is between grades K-12;

• Resides in a public school district within the attendance boundaries of a low-achieving school district; and

• Live in a household with a household income below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines.

• Requires the state treasury to develop an electronic application form accessible on its public website by March 1, 2024 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that for the 2024-2025 school year, scholarships shall be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis based on money left available in the fund (Sec. 1).

• Exempts the money in the scholarship account from being taxable income to the parent or scholarship recipient under state law (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect 60 days after passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that amends the public welfare laws of Pennsylvania to ensure consistency across administration of assistance in programs.

Highlights:

• Authorizes taxpayer-funded private school tuition vouchers to parents of eligible students in low-performing school districts and appropriates $3.7 million for costs related to the implementation of this bill (Sec. 1).

• Defines “eligible students” as a school-age child who meets the following, including (Sec. 1):

• Is a resident of the commonwealth state of Pennsylvania;

• Has not received a high school diploma and is between grades K-12;

• Resides in a public school district within the attendance boundaries of a low-achieving school district; and

• Live in a household with a household income below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines.

• Requires the state treasury to develop an electronic application form accessible on its public website by March 1, 2024 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that for the 2024-2025 school year, scholarships shall be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis based on money left available in the fund (Sec. 1).

• Exempts the money in the scholarship account from being taxable income to the parent or scholarship recipient under state law (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect 60 days after passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text