(4-28-26) Pennsylvania House Bill 41 was adopted last year by state Rep. Scott Conklin of Centre County and allows the PIAA, the governing body for Pennsylvania high school athletics, to separate boundary and non-boundary schools for postseason games.

Tuesday the House voted on two amendments to the bill, with A03037 passing unanimously and A02991 failing to pass at 104 no votes to 97 yes votes.

The amendment that passed and was added to the bill on Tuesday by State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, would indemnify the PIAA. 

Matzie said-

“We’re asking the PIAA to do something, so why should they be sued if we’re asking them to do this. I think my amendment was a crucial part of getting the bill to the finish line. … Establishing separate playoffs and championships can happen and this bill lays out a clear mission for the PIAA and the PIAA oversight committee to conduct joint meetings and take testimony in the future before a decision is made. What happened today is a positive step. This is something that has been a topic for a long time and we’re finally getting some movement, at least in one chamber of the legislature.”

The bill made it through second consideration in the state House on Tuesday, and could be put to a vote in the House as early as Wednesday.

If approved, officials note that the PIAA will not be mandated to change the current system but will have the ability to do so.