What York County Parents Should Know About Pennsylvania’s New School Laws (2026–27)
As students return to classrooms from Hanover to Red Lion and settle into the new school year, several changes in Pennsylvania school law now affect families directly. Most come from Act 20 of 2026, which Governor Josh Shapiro signed on July 12, 2026. It amends the Public School Code in areas including school safety, attendance, cyber charter schools, bullying, and student health. Here are the updates parents should understand.
Stronger Rules on Bullying, Including AI and Deepfakes
School bullying policies must now expressly cover cyberbullying, and the law specifically recognizes that AI-generated or altered media can be used to bully. This can include a deepfake, such as an AI-generated or manipulated image, video, or audio recording made to appear real. Schools must also promptly investigate reports of bullying and cyberbullying.
The updated rules also require school policies to identify the staff member responsible for receiving bullying reports. Policies must be posted on the school’s website and reviewed with students each school year. Pennsylvania law also allows school policies to address certain cyberbullying that occurs away from school when it substantially affects the school environment.
Once a school determines that bullying or cyberbullying occurred, it must notify the parents or guardians of the students involved as soon as practicable.
If your child is targeted by a fake image, deepfake, video, or other digital content, report it in writing and save screenshots. Keep copies of messages, usernames, links, dates, and communications with the school.
School Weapons Notification Requirements
A law that took effect in early 2026, 24 P.S. § 13-1303.2-A, requires schools to notify parents, guardians, and staff within 24 hours of certain incidents involving a weapon. The requirement covers incidents on school grounds, at off-site school-sponsored activities, and on transportation to or from school and school activities.
The school weapons notification requirement is intended to give families timely information about qualifying incidents. Parents should still review notices carefully because the circumstances and the school’s response can vary depending on what occurred.
Pennsylvania Truancy Law and Cyber Charter Transfers
Families considering a mid-year switch to cyber school should know about a new limit under Pennsylvania truancy law. A habitually truant student generally cannot transfer to a cyber charter during the school year unless a judge finds the move is in the student’s educational best interest.
Under Pennsylvania law, a child is considered habitually truant after accumulating six or more school days of unexcused absences during the current school year. That designation can trigger additional procedures and requirements for the school and family.
Starting October 13, 2026, certain truancy notices must explain attendance resources, the cyber charter transfer restriction, and how to request a hearing. These notices can carry important information about what the school expects from the family and what options remain available.
If you receive a truancy notice, read it carefully and respond quickly. Keep copies of attendance records, medical documentation, school communications, and other information that may explain disputed absences.
Health Screenings and Student Privacy
Only nurses and other health care practitioners may now measure students’ height and weight, and parents may opt their child out with a written request. The law also bars schools from calculating BMI as part of academic instruction on personal health, nutrition, and/or physical fitness.
Parents who do not want their child to participate in height and weight measurements should submit the opt-out request in writing. Keeping a copy can help document when the school received the request.
Weekly Wellness Checks for Virtual Learners
For students in a full-time online program, districts and cyber charter schools must now conduct weekly wellness checks. Each student must be seen and communicate in real time with a school representative.
Parents of virtual learners should watch for information from their district or cyber charter school about how these checks will be scheduled and conducted during the 2026–27 school year.
What York County Parents Can Do
Review your district’s student handbook and board policies, which must be updated to reflect these changes. Put important concerns in writing, keep copies of school communications, and ask for meetings when issues arise.
For discipline, special education, bullying, or truancy disputes, speaking with an education lawyer or school law attorney can help you understand your child’s rights before a problem escalates.
CGA Law Firm’s Education Law practice helps families address legal issues involving schools throughout York County and South Central Pennsylvania.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. If you have questions, please contact Attorney Robert Gavin.
