HARRISBURG – The Senate Education Committee approved a proposal today that would expand job training opportunities to a broader number of Pennsylvanians, according to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46).
Under current law, Private Licensed Schools can only establish branch campuses within the same county as the primary site. This restriction requires a school to go through the costly and time-consuming process of securing another independent license if they wish to open an out-of-county location.
Senate Bill 456 would eliminate this restriction and allow schools to create branch campuses in neighboring counties and other locations within 60 miles of the primary location.
Bartolotta said that the bill could play an important role in supporting Pennsylvania’s workforce development efforts by helping more state residents access job training programs.
“Pennsylvania is fortunate to have a number of great schools that offer a pathway for students to find rewarding careers, but their ability to offer these programs is very tightly restricted by county borders,” said Bartolotta, who chairs the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. “Expanding the reach of these job training programs will give even more Pennsylvanians the chance to train for high-paying, family-sustaining jobs.”
Senate Bill 456 was sent to the full Senate for consideration.
Senator Jim Brewster (D-45) is also a prime sponsor of the bill.
CONTACT: Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463