Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, November 7, 2025 – The bipartisan school safety measure championed by Senator Christine M. Tartaglione (D-2) and Senator Jarrett Coleman (R-16) is now law. Governor Josh Shapiro signed it yesterday Senate Bill No. 246currently Act No. 44 of 2025, ensuring that parents, guardians and school staff are immediately notified whenever a weapon is discovered on school premises or during school-related activities.
“Every parent deserves to know when there is a security threat at their child’s school, especially related to gun violence,” said Senator Tartaglione. “This law closes a dangerous loophole and brings transparency and accountability to every school district across Pennsylvania. Safety should not be a secret.”
Before the law was introduced, 44 schools were only required to report gun incidents to the Department of Education if they resulted in expulsions. The recent law requires timely notification to families and school staff when a weapon is found, regardless of whether it was brought by a student, staff member or visitor, creating consistent standards across the state.
“This is a common-sense, bipartisan step forward toward school safety,” Tartaglione said. “By strengthening communication between schools, parents and teachers, we are helping to restore trust and give families the peace of mind they deserve.”
Senator Tartaglione thanked Senator Coleman for his partnership and commended the Pennsylvania Association of School Boards and the Pennsylvania State Education Association for their collaboration in shaping the legislation.
“Most schools already communicate well with parents,” Tartaglione added. “Now, thanks to Act 44, all schools across the Commonwealth will be held to the same clear, consistent standards to keep our children safe.”
The provisions of Act 44 will enter into force on January 6, 2026, 60 days after its adoption.
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The bill, after the governor signed Senator Tartaglione’s bipartisan school safety notification bill, appeared first in the Pennsylvania Democratic Senate.
