PRINTER'S NO. 4552
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
2947
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY SCHWEYER AND SCHLOSSBERG, OCTOBER 19, 2020
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, OCTOBER 19, 2020
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," in terms and courses of study,
further providing for pandemic of 2020.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 1501.8(a) and (n) of the act of March 10,
1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949,
added March 27, 2020 (P.L.62, No.13), is amended and the section
is amended by adding a subsection to read:
Section 1501.8. Pandemic of 2020.--(a) [This section
applies only] Except as otherwise provided in subsection (m.1),
this section shall apply to the 2019-2020 school year as a
result of the [global pandemic declared by the World Health
Organization on March 11, 2020] pandemic of 2020.
* * *
(m.1) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or any
other law to the contrary, for the 2020-2021 school year, all
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students, employes, contractors and visitors in a school entity
shall wear a face covering over the mouth and nose or a clear
face shield at all times while inside a school building as a
result of the pandemic of 2020. This subsection shall not apply
to:
(1) An adult who cannot wear a mask due to a medical
condition, including a respiratory issue that impedes breathing,
a mental health condition or disability.
(2) An individual for whom wearing a mask while working
would create an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment
or execute a task as determined by Federal, State or local
regulations or workplace safety guidelines.
(3) An individual who would be unable to remove a mask
without assistance.
(4) An individual who is under two years of age.
(5) An individual who is communicating or seeking to
communicate with someone who is hearing-impaired or has another
disability, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for
communication.
(6) A student who is eating or drinking when spaced at least
six feet apart.
(7) A student who is at least six feet apart from other
students during face-covering breaks that last no longer than
ten minutes.
(8) A student who has a medical or mental health condition
or disability, documented in accordance with section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-112, 29 U.S.C. § 701
et seq.) or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(Public Law 91-230, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.), that precludes
the wearing of a face covering in school entity.
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* * *
(n) As used in this section, the following words and phrases
shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"NIMS assessment." An assessment based on the National
Institute for Metalworking Skills standards.
"NOCTI exam." A National Occupational Competency Testing
Institute exam.
"Pandemic of 2020." The global pandemic declared by the
World Health Organization on March 11, 2020.
"School entity." Any school district, intermediate unit,
area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter
school or regional charter school a child attends in order to
fulfill the compulsory attendance requirements of this act.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
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