Pennsylvania House Bill 370 prohibits school terms from starting before Labor Day and guarantees 30-minute duty-free lunch for staff

Original title: 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 dates and times of school terms and sessions and commencement.

Last action · January 28, 2025: Referred to EDUCATION, Jan. 28, 2025Sponsors: José Giral and 5 others

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What This Bill Would Do

House Bill 370 prohibits school districts not on a year-round calendar from starting the student school term before the day after Labor Day, unless granted an exception by the Secretary of Education for major construction, renovation, or natural disaster. The bill also mandates a daily instructional schedule and guarantees professional and temporary professional employees a duty-free lunch period of at least thirty minutes, while preserving existing collective bargaining agreements until their expiration.

Why it matters

School districts must adjust their academic calendars to start after Labor Day unless they meet specific exception criteria, and staff members are guaranteed a protected 30-minute lunch break without supervisory duties.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

School districts

School districts must comply with the post-Labor Day start restriction unless granted a specific state exception.

Directly affected

Professional and temporary professional employes

Staff members are legally guaranteed a minimum 30-minute lunch period free of supervisory or other duties.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a school district start classes before Labor Day under this bill?

Only if the district is on a , or if the Secretary of Education approves an exception due to major construction, renovation, or a natural disaster.

What happens to existing school calendar union contracts if this bill passes?

Any contractually agreed-upon school calendar or process in effect on the effective date of the section remains in effect for the duration of that contract.

Are teachers guaranteed a break during the school day?

Yes, professional and temporary professional employees must be allowed a lunch period free of supervisory or other duties of at least thirty minutes.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Jan 28, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to EDUCATION, Jan. 28, 2025

Version history

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