HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — Pennsylvania representatives have proposed legislation that would require the Secretary of Education to inform the public about potential college campus closures.
Under the current law, when a public institution of higher education intends to close a branch or campus, the Secretary receives an application.
Lawmakers cite Penn State’s Board of Trustees recent vote to close seven of its campuses. Their application is pending approval.
READ MORE | What will happen to closed Penn State branch campuses?
The Secretary then approves or denies the application. The Secretary isn’t required to notify the public, lawmakers or the community that the application has been filed. This bill would change that.
House Bill 2789 would require the Secretary to give notice of an application of a branch or campus closure within seven days after receiving that application.
The bill does not change the Secretary’s authority to approve or deny an application, it just requires the Secretary to inform the public of the application and provide an opportunity for public comment before a decision is made.
Then, the information will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and a 30-day public comment period will begin. During that period, a hearing for public comment can be requested by “legislators who represent the affected community, the local government where the campus is located or a meaningful showing of public interest.”
The Secretary’s final decision must respond in writing to the objections raised during the public comment period.