Pandemic Planning and Response For Schools Act of 2020

I 116TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION H. R. 8715 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. 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. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 1 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 3 This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Pandemic Planning 4 and Response For Schools Act of 2020’’. 5 VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:44 Nov 18, 2020 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\H8715.IH H8715 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS 2 •HR 8715 IH SEC. 2. PLAN FOR CONTINUATION OF EDUCATION DURING 1 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY. 2 Not later than 30 days after the date on which the 3 Secretary of Health and Human Services determines, pur- 4 suant to section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 5 U.S.C. 247d), that a public health emergency exists, such 6 Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Edu- 7 cation, shall provide to the Congress, the States, and the 8 public a clear and concise plan containing guidance on— 9 (1) best practices for keeping students and fac- 10 ulty safe during the public health emergency; 11 (2) best practices for keeping schools func- 12 tioning to the maximum extent possible, consistent 13 with public health requirements and recommenda- 14 tions; and 15 (3) establishing priorities for cohorts of stu- 16 dents who, consistent with public health require- 17 ments and recommendations, should receive— 18 (A) an education program based entirely 19 on online delivery of instruction; 20 (B) an education program which occurs 21 under direct instructor supervision at a school 22 or other location away from home; and 23 (C) a hybrid or blended learning program, 24 which occurs under direct instructor supervision 25 at a school or other location away from home 26 VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:44 Nov 18, 2020 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\H8715.IH H8715 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS 3 •HR 8715 IH and, at least in part, through online delivery of 1 instruction. 2 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:44 Nov 18, 2020 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\H8715.IH H8715 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS