On Nov. 12, 2025, the General Assembly enacted Act 47 of 2025, based on Senate Bill 315. Act 47 contains numerous amendments to the School Code that your school entity should be aware of, including:
Cyber Charter Enrollment/Residency
Act 47 attempts to enhance student residency reporting and verification procedures for cyber charter students. It includes a new process for school districts and cyber charters to address and dispute residency issues. This includes a new requirement for cyber charters to provide proof of the student’s residency to the school district.
Compulsory Attendance Policies
Act 47 includes various changes to compulsory attendance laws, including new notice requirements to inform parents of students who are habitually truant that they may not transfer to a cyber charter school unless certain exceptions are met. The law will also prohibit habitually truant students from transferring to cyber charters during the school year.
School Safety/Security
Among other things, the Act requires the School Safety & Security Coordinator to facilitate quarterly meetings with school and building leadership and to report attendance at such meetings to the school board on an annual basis. Act 47 also adds a new coordination requirement for threat-assessment teams and law-enforcement partners. The law also requires final dispositions from Safe2Say Something reports to be reported within 48 hours for life/safety emergencies and within 30 days for all other tips.
Webinar: Unpacking Acts 44 and 47 of 2025: Weapons Notification Requirements & School Code Amendments
On December 12, 2025 at noon, Shareholder Gareth Pahowka and Capital Area Intermediate Unit Supervisor of Safety and Security Jeremy W. Freeland reviewed Act 47 and frequently asked questions about this new legislation. In addition, the duo discussed Act 44 of 205 pertaining to notifications of weapon incidents. Questions on Act 47 can be directed to Gareth Pahowka.
If you have questions about implementing Acts 44 and 47 for your school entity, please contact Gareth Pahowka at gpahowka@saxtonstump.com
