A state house bill that would give school districts the power to decide whether or not to hold sporting and other extracurricular events, and how to hold those events during the 2020-2021 school year passed the Senate yesterday and is on its way to the Governor’s desk.
House Bill 2787 passed by a 39-11 vote in the Senate. It would give local school officials those responsibilities, not Governor Wolf or members of his administration. Along with clarifying who would make the decision on if schools can hold sports this year, the bill would also allow district officials to set spectator limits on events, provided they ensure social distancing is followed along with rules from the Centers for Disease Control and prevention concerning youth sports.
Initially, Governor Tom Wolf said that he strongly recommended that all high school sports be delayed until January 1st of next year out of concerns for Covid-19. The PIAA said that sports would be allowed to be played, but the Wolf Administration said that no spectators would be allowed in the stands. Last week, the administration released new guidance that would cap outdoor event attendance at 250 people or less and indoor attendance at 25 or less.
While it has bipartisan support, Governor Wolf has said he would veto the bill if it got to his desk. Opponents to the bill in the Senate said that schools already have the authority and the bill is not necessary.
Senator Joe Pittman, who represents Indiana County, voted in favor of the house bill.
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