HARRISBURG – Bipartisan legislation which would allow Intermediate Units to own facilities for instructional space passed the PA House. PA’s 29 intermediate units provide special education, professional development, and technical assistance services to school districts, charter schools, and private schools. Every year, over 175,000 students and 50,000 educators receive services and training from IUs. Currently, IUs are only permitted to own office space and warehouse facilities, a limitation that prohibits them from owning facilities used for instructional space. Any instructional facilities must be leased, burdening IUs with rental costs that sometimes exceed what it would cost to purchase and own the facility themselves. House Bill 1526 now on its way to the state Senate.