Section 134. Advertising and Sponsorships.--(a) A paid media advertisement by a public school entity or on behalf of a public school entity that refers to the cost of tuition, technology, transportation or other expenses shall not advertise those expenses as free, and any reference to tuition, technology, transportation or other expenses must indicate that the cost is covered by taxpayer dollars.
(b) No later than August 1, 2025, each public school entity shall report to the Department of Education the entity's total expenditures for paid media advertisements and sponsorships of public events for the 2024-2025 school year. The department shall compile the results of the reports and make the results available on the Department of Education's publicly accessible Internet website by December 1, 2025.
(c) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Paid media advertisement." The term includes a television, radio, newspaper, magazine or movie theater advertisement, billboard, bus poster or Internet-based or other commercial method that may promote enrollment in a public school entity.
"Public event." An activity, event or gathering that members of the public may attend, has been publicly announced or publicized in advance and for which an admission fee or cost may be required. The term includes concerts, performances, sporting events, fairs, festivals, parades, performances and other exhibitions. The term shall not include school-sponsored activities as defined in section 1318.1(j).
"Public school entity." A public school district, charter school entity as defined in section 1703-A, intermediate unit or area career and technical school.
(134 added July 11, 2024, P.L.618, No.55)