House Passes Ortitay Bill to Increase Quality Training Opportunities

September 18, 2019

HARRISBURG — The House today approved legislation authored by Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) to make it easier for privately licensed postsecondary institutions to open branch campuses.

“Current law requires branch campuses of privately licensed postsecondary schools to be located within the same county as their primary location,” Ortitay said. “Due to the topography and layout of our counties, this can create an undue burden and not meet the needs of interested students. We should be removing barriers for those interested in career and technical education, not creating ones.”

House Bill 518 would amend the Private Licensed School Act to allow branch campuses to be in a different county than the primary licensed school. To qualify, the school must receive approval from the Board of Private Licensed Schools and be operating for at least two years, be in good standing with the board and be located in a contiguous county or within a 60-mile radius of the primary location. In addition, the legislation would clarify that schools only have to pay one fee for any and all branch campuses.

The bill now heads to the Senate for its review.

The 46th Legislative District includes Collier and South Fayette townships and Bridgeville, Heidelberg, McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County. It also encompasses Canton, Cecil, Mt. Pleasant, Robinson and Smith townships and Burgettstown, McDonald and Midway boroughs in Washington County.

Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
RepOrtitay.com / Facebook.com/RepOrtitay