Committee approves bill letting intermediate units buy and own buildings

The House Education Committee approved House Bill 201 on a roll-call vote, reporting the measure out of committee 20-6.

House Bill 201, sponsored in committee by Representative Cerisi, would permit intermediate units (IUs) to purchase and own land and buildings used for instructional programs. "House bill 201 ... permits intermediate units purchase and own land and buildings for instructional use," Kate Krueger, the committee executive director, explained to members.

Supporters said local ownership can reduce long-term rental costs and allow IUs to design spaces tailored to students with specialized needs. "It allows them to buy buildings to save taxpayer money where they're renting it, design it for the needs that they have," Representative Cerisi said, describing examples from Bucks County and other districts.

Opponents urged caution, citing maintenance and long-term taxpayer costs. Representative McKenzie said, "We have already so many schools and buildings that have lead pipes that need repair. They have roof issues. They have mold ... If you can't afford to maintain your primary residence, you should not be going out and buying additional real estate." Representative Schlegel asked about the risk if IUs later no longer need owned space and how difficult resale might be.

Committee members also noted existing local and board-level safeguards. Representative Cooper pointed to the vetting process, saying the preapproval process remains in place and that any purchase would require local approval.

After debate the committee voted. The roll call recorded 20 yeas and 6 nays; the clerk announced, "house bill 201 passes." The bill was reported from the Education Committee as committed.

The discussion included requests for further review from members who wanted a hearing and more detail about long-term maintenance costs and contingencies for unused buildings. The committee record shows no amendment to the bill during the meeting.