Pennsylvania House Bill HB360

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/27/25

Caption

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting syst . . .em, further providing for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Summary

HB360 amends the Pennsylvania Public School Code provisions governing postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policies. The bill requires colleges and universities to maintain a clear, understandable written policy that informs victims of their rights under federal and state law, including the crime victims bill of rights, and that meets or exceeds the state’s model policy standards. The bill also adds two new requirements to those policies. First, postsecondary institutions must investigate incidents of sexual harassment or sexual violence according to the timeline established in their own policy. Second, the policy must include protections for witnesses and victims while an investigation is ongoing. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Impact

HB360 would strengthen and clarify the statutory requirements for postsecondary institutions in Pennsylvania by expanding the existing sexual harassment and sexual violence policy framework in the Public School Code. It would not create a new standalone enforcement system, but it would require institutions to formalize investigation timelines and interim protections within their campus policies, affecting colleges, universities, victims, witnesses, and institutional administrators responsible for Title IX-related and campus conduct procedures.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the overall sentiment appears supportive and protective in nature. The measure is framed as a student-safety and victim-rights bill, with an emphasis on clearer policies, timely investigations, and safeguards during investigations. No opposing viewpoints are documented in the provided materials.

Contention

No specific points of contention are reflected in the available record because there are no committee transcripts or votes included. Potential areas of debate, if raised later, would likely involve whether the bill gives institutions enough flexibility in setting investigation timelines, how interim protections are defined, and whether the requirements overlap with or go beyond existing federal Title IX obligations and campus procedures.