PA HB1279

Expands Pennsylvania's higher education sexual misconduct prevention framework by broadening terminology from "sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking" to the unified term "sexual misconduct," which includes sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and related offenses.

Requires postsecondary institutions to conduct biennial sexual misconduct climate surveys of all students using a base survey developed by a newly established Task Force on Postsecondary Sexual Misconduct, with results published publicly and submitted to the Department of Education.

Mandates each postsecondary institution designate at least one confidential resource advisor (not a student, Title IX coordinator, or law enforcement) to provide trauma-informed support, coordinate supportive measures, and assist victims without being required to report incidents to the institution.

Establishes enforcement penalties of up to $150,000 per violation (adjusted annually for inflation) or 1% of an institution's annual operating budget, whichever is lower, for institutions that fail to comply with the requirements.

Requires institutions to waive minimum GPA, credit, or disciplinary requirements for school-sponsored programs for student victims of sexual misconduct, and to provide tuition credits and continued scholarship eligibility for students who withdraw due to being victimized.