Pennsylvania House Bill HB1948

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/16/25
• Refer: 10/16/25

Caption

Prohibiting institutions of higher education that receive State grants or loans from entering into certain agreements; and providing for enforcement by the Office of Attorney General.

Summary

HB1948 would create a new chapter in Title 24 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, titled the "Protect Pennsylvania's Academic Freedom Act." The bill would prohibit institutions of higher education that receive certain State grants or loans from entering into compacts or other voluntary agreements with the federal government if those agreements, except where required by law, limit the institution’s control over admissions, hiring, curriculum, discipline, tuition, grading, speech, student treatment, or the creation or elimination of institutional organizations. The bill defines the covered institutions broadly, including community colleges, State System universities, State-related universities, certain private colleges and schools, and foreign corporations approved to operate educational enterprises in Pennsylvania. It also defines covered State aid narrowly, excluding tax credits, procurement, and other appropriations not specifically made as grants or loans. The measure would take effect immediately and apply only to grants or loans issued on or after the effective date.

Impact

HB1948 would add a new statutory restriction on higher education institutions that accept specified State financial assistance, conditioning eligibility on avoiding certain federal agreements that could affect institutional autonomy. If an institution violates the prohibition and still receives a covered State grant or loan, it would have to notify the awarding agency and could be required to repay the funds, including possible interest and related value increases. The Office of Attorney General would be authorized to pursue court action to recover repayment if the institution does not comply.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the available context suggests the bill is framed as a protection of academic freedom and institutional independence rather than as a punitive measure. The sponsors’ framing indicates support for limiting outside influence on university decision-making, especially from federal agreements that may affect campus policy. No recorded votes or transcript material are available to show broader legislative sentiment or organized opposition in committee.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely to be whether the Commonwealth should condition State education funding on an institution’s refusal to enter into certain federal compacts or voluntary agreements. Supporters would likely emphasize protecting admissions, curriculum, speech, and other internal policies from federal pressure, while critics may argue the bill could interfere with institutional flexibility, create uncertainty for universities that rely on federal arrangements, or conflict with federal requirements in some circumstances. The bill itself anticipates some of that concern by exempting agreements required by law and by stating it does not apply where it conflicts with federal or State law.