Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1903

Introduced
9/30/25  

Caption

In Safe2Say Program, further providing for definitions and for Safe2Say Program; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system; and making an editorial change.

Impact

By implementing these changes, HB 1903 is expected to strengthen the policies surrounding sexual harassment and sexual violence in educational contexts. It aims to create a safer environment for students by ensuring that institutions have robust procedures in place to address such issues. The bill's focus on proper definitions and a structured reporting process could enhance accountability and response times when incidents occur, potentially leading to a decrease in underreported cases among students. Furthermore, the involvement of the Safe2Say Program emphasizes the importance of making support resources readily available to students.

Summary

House Bill 1903 seeks to provide a more comprehensive framework for handling sexual harassment and sexual violence within postsecondary institutions. This bill focuses particularly on enhancing the Safe2Say Program, which is aimed at offering students a safe and confidential way to report incidents. The proposed amendments include clearer definitions of terms related to sexual harassment and violence, thereby facilitating a better understanding and application of policies by institutions and students alike. The inclusion of online reporting systems is a significant aspect of this legislation, which aligns with modern technological practices to ensure safety and accessibility for students.

Contention

Despite the positive intentions behind HB 1903, there may be points of contention regarding its enforcement and the implications for institutions. Some stakeholders may raise concerns about the adequacy of resources allocated to implement these changes effectively. Additionally, discussions may arise around the balance between enhancing student safety and ensuring that institutions have the necessary support to comply with the new requirements. There could also be debates on the intersection of state and institutional autonomy in developing policies that meet these legislative standards.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1026

In Safe2Say Program, further providing for definitions and for Safe2Say Program; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system; and making an editorial change.

PA HB360

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.

PA HB1279

In sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking education, prevention and respo nse at institutions of higher education and private licensed schools, further providing for scope of article, for definitions, for education program and for follow-up and providing for staff training and for enforcement and penalties; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system, providing for sexual misconduct climate surveys, establishing the Task Force on Postsecondary Sexual Misconduct and providing for confidential resource advisors, for waivers for student victims, for data reporting requirements and for enforcement and penalties; and making editorial changes.

PA HB538

In sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking education, prevention and response at institutions of higher education and private licensed schools, further providing for scope of article, for definitions, for education program and for follow-up; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1479

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions and for relief; and, in protection of victims of sexual violence or intimidation, further providing for definitions and for relief.

PA SB930

In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further prov iding for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1476

In protection of victims of sexual violence or intimidation, further providing for definitions.

PA AB2212

Postsecondary education: sexual harassment, harassment, intimidation, and bullying policies: student orientation and training.

PA HB5631

Relating to a public institution of higher education's orientation on the institution's sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking policy.

PA HB1839

Further providing for definitions and for sexual assault evidence collection program; and providing for noncompliance.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.