Pandemic Planning and Response For Schools Act of 2020

Bill: 116-hr-8715
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Payne, Donald M., Jr. [D-NJ-10]
Introduced: 2020-10-30
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Congressional oversight

Educational facilities and institutions

Educational technology and distance education

Elementary and secondary education

Emergency medical services and trauma care

Government information and archives

Infectious and parasitic diseases

Teaching, teachers, curricula

Worker safety and health
Latest action: action_date: 2020-10-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Summaries:
action_date: 2020-10-30
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Pandemic Planning and Response For Schools Act of 2020</b></p> <p>This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services, within 30 days of declaring a public health emergency and in consultation with the Department of Education, to make publicly available a plan to continue education during the emergency.</p> <p>Specifically, the plan must include (1) best practices for keeping students and faculty safe during the emergency; (2) best practices for keeping schools functioning during the emergency that are consistent with public health requirements and recommendations; and (3) guidance on establishing priorities for cohorts of students who should receive their instruction online, in person, or through a hybrid program.</p>

tv_txt: I 116th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8715 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 30, 2020 Mr. Payne (for himself, Ms. Jackson Lee , Mr. Mfume , Mr. Hastings , and Mr. Carson of Indiana ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor A BILL To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Education to make public a plan for the continuation of education during a public health emergency.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Pandemic Planning and Response For Schools Act of 2020 . 2. Plan for continuation of education during public health emergency Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines, pursuant to section 319 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 247d ), that a public health emergency exists, such Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall provide to the Congress, the States, and the public a clear and concise plan containing guidance on— (1) best practices for keeping students and faculty safe during the public health emergency; (2) best practices for keeping schools functioning to the maximum extent possible, consistent with public health requirements and recommendations; and (3) establishing priorities for cohorts of students who, consistent with public health requirements and recommendations, should receive— (A) an education program based entirely on online delivery of instruction; (B) an education program which occurs under direct instructor supervision at a school or other location away from home; and (C) a hybrid or blended learning program, which occurs under direct instructor supervision at a school or other location away from home and, at least in part, through online delivery of instruction.