Pennsylvania 2025_0 Regular Session Status: In Committee 5 R cosponsors

HB 2817 — An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in preliminary provisions, providing for career and technical education students occupational competency testing; and abrogating a regulation.

Last action — Referred to EDUCATION, Oct. 2, 2026

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced October 02, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the House.

In plain language

This bill establishes occupational competency testing for career and technical education students in Pennsylvania.

HB 2817 amends the Public School Code to require schools to assess the occupational competency of students in career and technical education programs. Assessment methods include specific assessments, approved alternatives, or obtaining industry-based certifications.

What this means for you
  • Workers: Students will have clearer pathways to demonstrate their skills to potential employers.

Summary

Career and Technical Education Testing Alternatives

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

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AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes requirements for occupational competency testing for career and technical education students in Pennsylvania.

  • Section 121.2

    Career and Technical Education Students Occupational Competency Testing.--(a) A school entity shall use one of the following methods to assess the occupational competency of a student of the school entity who has completed an approved career and technical education program: (1) completion of the appropriate assessment under the Pennsylvania Skills Certificate Program; (2) completion of another occupational competency assessment approved by the Department of Education; or (3) attainment of an industry-based competency certification related to the CTE concentrator's program of study. (b) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "CTE concentrator." A student under Article XVIII who, by the end of a reporting year, will be reported as successfully completing at least fifty percent (50%) of the minimum technical instructional hours required under 22 Pa. Code Ch. 339 (relating to vocational education). "Industry-based competency certification." A credential that: (1) demonstrates a student's mastery of specific skills and knowledge required for a particular career or field; and (2) verifies that the student has met industry standards and is ready to enter the workforce. "School entity." A school entity or an area career and technical school.

    This change introduces a new section to the Public School Code that mandates competency testing methods for career and technical education students.

  • 22 Pa. Code § 4.31(a)

    The regulations at 22 Pa. Code § 4.31(a) are abrogated to the extent of any inconsistency with this act.

    The abrogation of these regulations eliminates any conflicting provisions regarding competency testing.

Action History

  1. Referred to EDUCATION, Oct. 2, 2026

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 4 co-sponsors · 248 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (4)

Not signed on (248)

248 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

education
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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 2817 do?
Career and Technical Education Testing Alternatives
Who sponsors HB 2817?
HB 2817 is sponsored by Jill N. Cooper (Republican), David H. Rowe (Republican), Jamie L. Flick (Republican), Marla Brown (Republican), and Andrew Kuzma (Republican).
What is the current status of HB 2817?
This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced October 02, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track HB 2817?
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