HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) to reduce the educational challenges faced by children of National Guard and Reserve members was approved by the House of Representatives today and is set to become law. Senate Bill 209 was unanimously approved by the Senate in June.
Military families face frequent reassignments, posing educational challenges for children transitioning between schools in different states. Senate Bill 209 will give children of National Guard and Reserve members the same help provided to those of active-duty military families through the Military Interstate Children’s Compact. The compact provides a consistent set of policies that make getting started in a new school, joining extracurricular activities, facilitating enrollment and meeting graduation requirements as easy as possible for military children.
“I raised young children during my military service and know firsthand the challenges military families can face,” Pennycuick said. “Military families often move, and children of National Guard and Reserve members can have a difficult time adjusting to new schools and new rules. By extending the benefits of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact, we will minimize educational disruption and help these families make the challenge of relocating a little less stressful.”
Pennycuick, a U.S. Army combat veteran, was appointed to the State Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children in 2023.
The bill now heads to the governor for his signature.
CONTACT: Matt Szuchyt