House Bill 1505, titled Protecting Access to Pre-K Counts, was introduced in May 2025 and garnered significant support, passing in July 2025 with a final vote of 202-1 in favor.
First circulated by state Representative Liz Hanbidge (D-Montgomery), the bill is co-sponsored by 25 representatives including local lawmaker, Rep. Tina Davis (D-Bucks).
The bill, if passed into law says that, it will amend the Public School Code to clarify that Intermediate Units (IU) are eligible recipients of Pre-K Counts grants. During the 2023-24 Fiscal Year, 12 of Pennsylvania’s 29 IUs received Pre-K Counts grants which funded full-day Pre-K slots for more than 2,500 students. By making this clarification, the law will ensure that future students will continue to have access to Pre-K Counts programs operated by IUs, regardless of potential changes to the Federal Head Start program.
Rep. Tina Davis Credit: PA General Assembly
Concerns arose in the House that led to this legislation. The concerns were centered around the Federal Head Start Program and the possibility that the IUs would no longer be able to receive Pre-K Counts funds. Without the funding, the services provided would not exist for many Pennsylvania families, they said in the legislation.
Pre-K Counts helps economically disadvantaged children have access to free Pre-K services that provide them with skills and behaviors that prepare them for kindergarten and succeed later in life. Under Pre-K Counts, grants are awarded to eligible entities that provide Pre-K services, including school districts, licensed childcare facilities, private licensed nursery schools, and Head Start programs. While many intermediate units (IUs) throughout Pennsylvania receive Pre-K Counts funds, they are eligible because they serve as Head Start programs, according to the HB1505 declaration.
Protecting funding for children’s education moved swiftly through the House and onto the Senate. As of Monday, July 14, the bill was sent to the Senate’s Education Committee.