Admission Fees for School-Sponsored Activities

Act 14 of 1949, § 511.1, under PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE OF 1949.

Act 14 of 1949, § 511.1

Section 511.1. Admission Fees for School-Sponsored Activities.--(a) If a school entity, nonpublic school or association collects a fee for admission to a school-sponsored activity, cash shall be accepted as a form of payment for admission.

(b) In addition to accepting cash as payment for admission, a school entity, nonpublic school or association may accept other payment methods for admission to the school-sponsored activity.

(c) A school entity, nonpublic school or association may refuse to accept payment for admission that is in a denomination that significantly exceeds the amount of the fee under subsection (a). For events sanctioned by the association, if payment is made in cash, the admission fee must be paid in the exact amount.

(d) If electronic ticketing is the sole method of admission, a school entity, nonpublic school or association shall provide alternative methods of payment and designated entry points for individuals who pay in person for the purpose of assisting and facilitating entry into the school-sponsored activity. The school entity, nonpublic school or association may accept any form of payment, including cash, at the designated entry points. The school entity, nonpublic school or association shall make available a support person to assist individuals who experience difficulty using electronic payment systems.

(e) A school entity, nonpublic school or association may not impose a surcharge or any other additional fee in excess of the admission fee under subsection (a) for accepting cash as payment for admission to a school-sponsored activity.

(f) 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:

"Association" shall mean the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.

"Cash" shall mean all coins and currencies recognized as legal tender under 31 U.S.C. § 5103 (relating to legal tender).

"Interscholastic athletic activity" shall mean an athletic contest or competitions conducted between or among school entities or nonpublic schools located in this Commonwealth.

"Nonpublic school" shall mean as defined in section 923.3-A(b).

"School entity" shall mean a school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter school or regional charter school.

"School-sponsored activity" shall mean an assembly, field trip, class trip, graduation ceremony, interscholastic athletic activity, extracurricular activity, club, group, team or any activity sponsored, held or approved by a school entity or nonpublic school.

(511.1 added Nov. 12, 2025, P.L.244, No.47)