Legislative Lookout

Knowledge is power, and the power of our members can help make a difference with our elected officials during the legislative session. That’s why Education West Virginia is making it easier than ever before for members to stay informed and engaged during the session. We’ve created a dedicated page on our website to house the updates and resources you need to stay on top of the legislation that is moving, contact your legislator or get more information about the status of a bill. Bookmark our one stop shop for the upcoming session, the Legislative Lookout.

By: Education WV

Published: January 1, 2026 Last Updated: February 11, 2026

Daily Updates

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 – 29th Day of Session

SENATE
Floor Session

Third Reading
On 3rd reading was Com. Sub. for SB 633: Relating to WV Commission of Holocaust Education. The bill contains several provisions including modernizing commission membership in light of the passing of Holocaust survivors and second-generation witnesses, strengthening safeguards for historical accuracy and mission integrity, and clarifying governance, transparency, and duties. The bill also ensures Holocaust education remains the central and primary purpose of the commission. Sen. Grady and Woodrum offered a floor amendment that Grady explained as a clean-up amendment to improve the organization, the method of appointment of the higher education representative, and the staggering of the terms of the appointed voting members of the commission. It was adopted by a voice vote and the bill was advanced to 3rd reading.

Committee Meetings

Select Committee on School Choice
One bill was on the agenda today in the Select Committee on School Choice SB 67. The purpose of this bill is to add language that was inadvertently overwritten when the bill addressing this topic was previously passed. The bill will allow authorization and funding of alternative high-risk population public charter schools; provide eligibility requirements to be an alternative high[1]risk population public charter school; specify which students are included as "high risk"; require West Virginia Board of Education rule setting forth requirements for alternative high[1]risk population charter school funding; allow an institution of higher education to apply to an authorizer to establish virtual or on-campus public charter microschools; allow any public charter school to partner with learning pods and microschools to provide instruction to those learning pods and microschools; and make other changes to the public charter school law. The bill would allow public charter schools to have the right of first refusal for any unused public school buildings. A committee substitute was adopted and the bill was advanced from the committee and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

HOUSE
Floor Session
No education bills on the floor today.

Committee Meetings

Education
Markup and Passage

HB 4573 – Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act. This bill requires school counselors and graduation coaches to provide guidance and training in post secondary opportunities, workforce development, housing and aftercare services for students in the foster care system.
HB 4592 – Relating to college campus safety. The bill requires safety mapping data for higher ed institutions and school crisis response planning.

Both bills advanced from the committee.

Committee Hearing
The following bills were on hearing stage. Education WV General Counsel spoke before the committee regarding our concerns on HB 4995.

HB 4485 – Allow education employees to donate sick leave to co-workers for maternity leave.
HB 4591 – To recognize School Athletic Directors who have achieved a nationally recognized professional certification through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).
HB 4817 – Relating to modifying the Charter Schools Startup Fund.
HB 4995 – Require the use of video cameras in certain special education classrooms.
HB 5212 – To revise, update, and streamline the requirements for higher education grants, scholarships, loans, and financial aid for postsecondary education programs, workforce development initiatives, and workforce grants.

All bills were advanced to markup stage.

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 – 28th Day of Session

SENATE
Floor Session

Third Reading
On 3rd reading was Eng. Com. Sub. for SB 694. The bill removes the county residency requirement for county superintendent of schools. It passed by a vote of 28-6. The bill will move to the House for consideration.

Second Reading
On 2nd reading was Com. Sub. for SB 633: Relating to WV Commission of Holocaust Education. The bill contains several provisions including modernizing commission membership in light of the passing of Holocaust survivors and second-generation witnesses, strengthening safeguards for historical accuracy and mission integrity, and clarifying governance, transparency, and duties. The bill also ensures Holocaust education remains the central and primary purpose of the commission. Sen. Grady and Woodrum offered a floor amendment that Grady explained as a clean-up amendment to improve the organization, the method of appointment of the higher education representative, and the staggering of the terms of the appointed voting members of the commission. It was adopted by a voice vote and the bill was advanced to 3rd reading.

Committee Meetings

Senate Education
Today in Senate Education the following bills were discussed:

SR 15 recognizing the 154th anniversary of Glenville State University. The motion to report the resolution to the floor with the recommendation it be adopted was adopted.

SB 801 increasing each school district’s basic foundation. The bill increases the staff per pupil ration from 72.3 per 1000 students to 75.3/1000 professionals. The bill also increases the service personnel ration from 54.35/1000 to 57.35/1000. The bill does not penalize counties for the ratios during the 2025-2026 school year. The fiscal note based on last years enrollment numbers statewide is about $95 million. The motion to report SB 801 to the floor with the recommendation it do pass but first be referred to the Committee on Finance.

SB 437 the Fair State Aid Formula Act of 2026. The bill provides for an equitable method of distributing state aid recognizing additional costs for rural schools and high-need schools. A Committee Substitute was offered to add additional weighting funding for special education students based on a 3-tier system. These tiers are clearly defined in the Committee Substitute. Various questions were asked concerning the funding for special needs students. A conceptual amendment was offered by Senator Tarr to put control language in the bill for the spending to be directly for the special education students and classrooms. The Chair recommended no action be taken on the bill today and the conceptual amendment be part of a new Committee Substitute to be brought before the committee.

The Committee Substitute for SB 804 removing physical education requirements for certain middle and high school athletes. The bill allows sports to count for PE requirements in middle school and high school. The Committee Substitute clarifies the language for these student athletes. The motion to report SB 804 to the floor with the recommendation it do pass.

The Committee Substitute for SB 758 was taken off the agenda because of time.

HOUSE
Floor Session
No education bills on the floor today.

Committee Meetings

House Education
In the House Public Education Subcommittee the motion to report HB 4871 making vegetarian meal options available for students enrolled in schools, provided that such meals comply with all applicable federal nutritional guidelines. The bill requires the students to give advance notice for these meals. This bill moves to the agenda on Thursday due to the lengthy Floor Session today.

HB 4834, to permit women’s wrestling in public high schools, was on the Committee Hearing stage. Girls from the state who participate in wrestling came to testify. There are currently more than 300 girls wrestling in WV high schools currently. The WVSSAC suggested a probationary sanctioning which would allow more leeway for the sport. Several of the girls from across the state spoke to the bill. The bill now advances to markup and passage in the subcommittee.

In the House Educational Choice Subcommittee the following bills were up for markup and passage:

HB 4062 to create the WV Homeschool Student Athletics Participation Act. This bill allows homeschool teams to participate against WVSSAC member schools. A strike and insert amendment was offered moves the section to a more appropriate section of code. It gives the WVSSAC the right for approval and makes participation a privilege not a right. The student would have to follow the rules of the WVSSAC and would apply only to an individual student, not club sports, academies, etc. The motion to adopt the Strike and Insert for HB 4062 was adopted. The motion to report the Strike and Insert for HB 4062 to the floor with the recommendation it do pass but first be referred to the Standing Education Committee was adopted.

HB 4065 relating to the membership of the Hope Scholarship Board. This bill removes the language of “…intending to homeschool” and allows for three parents to be voting members on the board. The bill also makes the Attorney General, the State Superintendent of Schools and the Chancellor of Higher Education non-voting members. The chair announced this bill will be held for a later meeting.

House Judiciary Committee

Mark up and passage stage
HB 4996 relating to bail in cases involving terroristic threats to schools or children. A Committee Substitute was offered and creates mandatory bail conditions for individuals charged with making terrorist threats against a school, or a similar location including condition of bail or pretrial release that the defendant shall not reside within 1,000 feet of the boundary of any licensed child care center or school, GPS monitoring of the individuals charged, and no contact, either direct or indirect, with any student, school employee, or any other person directly associated with or employed by the threatened facility. The Committee Substitute for HB 4996 advanced to the floor with the recommendation that it do pass.

Hearing stage
HB 4999 relating to crimes against athletic officials. This bill modifies the criminal and administrative penalties for assault or battery on athletic officials or participants, strengthening a bill previously passed. It was discussed to include clarification that hard fouls during play would not result in a battery charge for players. The bill will move to mark up and discussion.

*Please note that any bill that moves to markup and passage is not automatically advanced from the committee. The bill still must be placed on the committee agenda in a future meeting and be considered by the full committee.

Monday, February 9, 2026 – 27th Day of Session

SENATE
Floor Session

Second Reading
Com. Sub. for SB 694 removes the county residency requirement for county superintendent of schools. There were no amendments on this bill and it advanced to third reading.

First Reading
Com. Sub. for SB 633 relates to WV Commission on Holocaust Education. The bill contains several provisions including modernizing commission membership in light of the passing of Holocaust survivors and second-generation witnesses, strengthening safeguards for historical accuracy and mission integrity, and clarifying governance, transparency, and duties. The bill also ensures Holocaust education remains the central and primary purpose of the commission. The bill advanced to second reading.

HOUSE
Floor Session

Third Reading
Today on the House floor the Committee Substitute for HB 4982, Make West Virginia Healthy Act of 2026, passed by a vote of 91-4 with 4 members absent. The Committee Substitute creates the Office of Healthy Lifestyles within the Department of Health and works with the Department of Education to develop and implement plans focused on improving the physical fitness of students and implement and fund a sustainable Farm-to-School program. The Committee Substitute also requires the use of local foods in the public schools and clarifies the requirements of the Physical Fitness test.

Committee Meetings

House Education
Today in House Education the following bills were reported from the Subcommittees:

HB 4817 relating to modifying the Charter Schools Startup Fund. The bill would make available an additional $100,000 from to Charter Schools that received the initial grant of $300,000 for startup. The bill also moves this fund from the State Department of Education to the WV Charter Schools Board.

HB 4485 allowing education employees to donate sick leave to co-workers for maternity leave. The bill was amended in the subcommittee to include illnesses for children as covered under the Family Leave Act.

Both of these bills now advance to markup and passage.

The following three bills were on the Committee hearing stage:

HB 4592 relating to college campus safety. The bill requires safety mapping data for higher ed institutions and school crisis response planning.

HB 4693 to declassify Community and Technical Education (CTE) teaching positions to allow for counties to provide additional funding for certain positions. This bill relates to trades-based high school instructors that are providing CTE instruction.

HB 4759 modifying the rules for transferring students. This bill resends the current transfer rule and allows the WVSSAC to pull the coaching credentials of any coach that is found guilty of illegally recruiting.

These three bills now advance to markup and passage.

Daily Updates

Friday, February 6, 2026 – 24th Day of Session

SENATE
Floor Session

Second Reading
Committee Substitute for SB 694 removes the county residency requirement for county superintendent of schools. The bill was laid over for one day.

HOUSE
Floor Session

Second Reading
Today on the House Floor the Committee Substitute for HB 4982, make WV Healthy Act of 2026, was on second reading. The bill creates the Office of Healthy Lifestyles within the Department of Health. This office shall work with the Department of Education to develop and implement plans focused on improving the physical fitness of students in WV and to implement and fund a sustainable Farm-to-School program. The state board shall implement the Presidential Fitness Test as the Standardized Test for Physical Education in WV public schools. Delegate Clark offered an amendment to use local foods in the bill. The amendment was adopted. Delegates Statler and Toney offered an amendment to use existing facilities for the physical education requirements and to clarify the Presidential Fitness test. The amendment passed. With no other amendments offered, the bill as amended now moves to third reading.

There were no education committee meetings in either chamber today.

Thursday, February 5, 2026 – 23rd Day of Session

SENATE
Floor Session

Third Reading
No education bills today.

Second Reading
No education bills today.

First Reading
Com. Sub. for SB 694: Removing county residency requirement for county superintendent of schools. The bill advanced to second reading.

Education
SB 502: Women’s Collegiate Sports Protection Act. The purpose of this bill is to protect and sustain women’s collegiate Olympic sports programs through permanent endowment funding, reward verified institutional efficiencies; incentivize private investment through targeted tax credits; and ensure full compliance with federal Title IX requirements. A committee substitute was advanced and the bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

SB 633: Relating to WV Commission on Holocaust Education. A committee substitute was advanced and contains several provisions including modernizing commission membership in light of the passing of Holocaust survivors and second-generation witnesses, strengthening safeguards for historical accuracy and mission integrity, and clarifying governance, transparency, and duties. The bill also ensures Holocaust education remains the central and primary purpose of the commission. The bill moves to the full Senate for consideration.

HOUSE
Floor Session

Third Reading
No education bills today.

Second Reading
No education bills today.

First Reading
Com. Sub. for HB 4982 - Make West Virginia Healthy Act of 2026 (NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to establish and expand a coordinated, statewide Healthy Lifestyles framework to promote nutrition, physical activity, and wellness through cross-agency collaboration, school-based initiatives, public-private partnerships, grants, and reporting requirements to improve the health of West Virginians.)

Committee Meetings

Subcommittee on Public Education
Today in the House Public Education Subcommittee HB 4485 allowing education employees to donate sick leave to co-workers for maternity leave was up for markup and passage. A Strike and Insert amendment was offered that would take higher ed out of the bill. The bill also prohibits counties from not allowing mothers to use their sick leave. The motion to adopt the Committee Substitute passed. The motion to report the Strike and Insert for HB 4485 as amend to the floor with the recommendation it do pass but first be reported to the standing Committee on Education was adopted.

On the Committee hearing stage was HB 4395, all investigations into allegations of child safety violations and child welfare risks continue for all school personnel regardless of whether the accused moved to a different job or school. The bill will now advance to markup and passage in the subcommittee.

In the House Educational Choice Subcommittee HB 4065 relating to the membership of the Hope Scholarship Board, was on the Committee hearing stage. The bill deletes the language of “3 members who intend to homeschool” from the Board. The bill also make the Attorney General, the Chancellor of Higher Ed and the State Superintendent of Schools non-voting members of the board. The bill will now advance to markup and passage in the subcommittee.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 – 22nd Day of Session

SENATE
Floor Session

Third Reading:
Eng. SB 155: Relating to adjunct teaching permits. This bill creates adjunct teaching permits requiring 4 years of experience in the subject or bachelor’s degree. It also stipulates a 1-year permit period, requires providing a mentor teacher, and prohibits adjunct permit personnel from teaching special education. Under the bill, permit holders would be hired only if no traditionally certified applicants apply for the position. The bill passed unanimously and now moves to the House. While Education WV recognizes the need for many school systems to fill positions, there are changes in the bill we believe should be made to provide guardrails and hope to work with members of the House to adopt these changes.

Committee Meetings

Select Committee on School Choice
SB 63: Creating Sustaining Opportunities for Academics in Rural Schools Act (SOAR Act) This bill allows for the expansion of in-person public charter schools, including financial and structural support, to serve geographically remote areas. The bill advanced from the committee and moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

SB 683: Removing certain requirements for private, parochial, or church schools. The bill removes the requirement that a kindergarten, preschool, or school education program operated by a private, parochial, or church school be recognized by West Virginia Department of Education Policy 2330 in order to be exempt from the section of code imposing certain childcare related licensure, approval, certification, and registration requirements. The bill advanced from the committee and now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

HOUSE
Floor Session: No education bills on the floor today.

Education Committee
Today in House Education, the Committee Substitute for HB 4440, permitting law enforcement to issue a citation when students are caught with nicotine in schools, was discussed. This bill establishes fines for various offenses for students with nicotine and vapes. The committee substitute moves the section of code in the bill and adds school resource officers to the list of officers that can issue the citation. The bill was laid over for further consideration to appear on a later agenda.

The following bills were on the Committee Hearing stage:

HB 4446, the Firefighter Pilot Program. This establishes a pilot program in no more than 4 locations through higher ed.

HB 4573, the Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act. This bill requires school counselors and graduation coaches to provide guidance and training in post secondary opportunities, workforce development, housing and aftercare services for students in the foster care system.

Both of these bills could now advance to the markup and passage stage of the Education Committee.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 – 21st Day of Session

SENATE
Floor Session

Third Reading
Eng. SB 536: Relating to qualifications for serving on certain academic boards. Passed unanimously.

Second Reading
SB 155: Relating to adjunct teaching permits. This bill creates adjunct teaching permits requiring 4 years of experience in the subject or bachelor’s degree. It also stipulates a 1-year permit period, requires providing a mentor teacher, and prohibits adjunct permit personnel from teaching special education. Under the bill, permit holders would be hired only if no traditionally certified applicants apply for the position. While Education WV recognizes the need for many school systems to fill positions, there are changes in the bill we believe should be made in the bill to provide guardrails. No amendments were made to the bill, and it advances to third reading.

First Reading
There are no bills on First Reading for Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Committee Meetings

Education
SB 176: Increasing non-traditional instruction days for WV teachers (increases from 5 to 10). A committee substitute was adopted and the bill now moves to Senate Finance for consideration.

SB 232: Establishing WV Secondary School Athletic Trainer & Career Technical Education Program Act. A committee substitute for SB 232 advanced and now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration

SB 694: Removing county residency requirements for county superintendent of schools. There was a lot of debate on this bill during the committee meeting. Senator Barnhart offered an amendment to change 2 hours to 1 hours, but after discussion, withdrew the amendment. Senator Hart conceptually offered an amendment to only give the power to the elected county boards and not the state board (of education). Amendment did not pass. Senator Fuller conceptually offered an amendment that omits the travel time (hourly) restrictions. Amendment was adopted. Com. Sub for SB 694, as amended, advances to the full senate with the recommendation that it do pass.

HOUSE
Floor Session
No education bills on the floor today.

Committee Meetings
All three House Education Subcommittees met today.

In the House Public Education Subcommittee, the following bills were on the Committee Hearing agenda:

HB 4871 making vegetarian meal option available for students enrolled in schools, provided that such meals comply with all applicable federal nutritional guidelines. There is federal money available so it would not be an additional cost to our schools.

HB 4467 relating to maternity leave for school employees. This would allow pregnant women and mothers the utilization of the sick leave bank.

HB 4485 allowing education employees to donate sick leave to co-workers for maternity leave. This bill adds maternity leave for transferable days.

In the House Educational Choice Subcommittee HB 4817 relating to modifying the Charter Schools Startup Fund was up for passage. This bill would make Charter School applicants receiving the first $300,000 grant eligible for and additional $100,000 for start up. The bill also moves the grant review from the Department of Education to the State Charter School Board. The motion to report the bill to the floor but first be reported to Education Committee with the recommendation it do pass was adopted. The bill will now go to the full Education Committee.

On the committee hearing agenda were:

HB 4062 to create the WV Homeschool Student Athletics Participation Act. This bill would allow organized homeschool teams the ability to play WVSSAC member schools. The WVSSAC spoke against the bill reminding the subcommittee that our homeschool students now have the opportunity to play in our schools. EWV Co-President Dale Lee also spoke to the bill with concerns. The bill will now advance to mark-up and discussion and must pass the subcommittee before being reported to the full Education Committee.

HB 4065 relating to the membership of the Hope Scholarship Board. This bill deletes language of “three board members who intend to homeschool” was moved off the agenda because of time.

HB 4950 to establish the WV Freedom and Innovation Pilot Act of 2026. This allows a county to participate in w pilot program and be funded by a block grant receiving $5,775 per student in a block grant. The county would not be subject to the provisions of WV Code 18 and 18-A for staffing ratios, service personnel quotas, and salary schedules. This gives the pilot county full authority over their own salaries, benefits, class sizes and calendars. Co-President Dale Lee spoke about major concerns Education West Virginia has with the bill. The bill advances to mark-up and discussion and must pass the subcommittee before being reported to the full Education Committee.

In the Higher Education Subcommittee a presentation was given by Dr. Martin S. Roth, President of the University of Charleston concerning Grad PLUS Loans and International students in the workplace.

Monday, February 2, 2026 – 20th Day of Session

SENATE
Floor Session

Second Reading
SB 536: Relating to qualifications for serving on certain academic boards. There were no amendments made and the bill advances to third reading.

First Reading
SB 155: Relating to adjunct teaching permits. This bill creates adjunct teaching permits requiring 4 years of experience in the subject or bachelor’s degree. It also stipulates a 1-year permit period, requires providing a mentor teacher, and prohibits adjunct permit personnel from teaching special education. Under the bill, permit holders would be hired only if no traditionally certified applicants apply for the position. While Education WV recognizes the need for many school systems to fill positions, there are amendments we believe should be made in the bill to provide guardrails. The bill advanced to second reading.

HOUSE
Floor Session
No action on education bills.

Education Committee Meeting
Today in House Education the following bills were reported from the subcommittees with the recommendation they be reported to the full committee:

HB 4116 relating to eligibility for WV Invests Grant Program. The bill allows for people with a degree to receive the grant for an associate degree in emergency medical services.

HB 4152 the Workforce-Education Partnership Act. This bill incentivizes businesses to invest in vocational training.

HB 4533 includes Potomac State College in the definition of community and technical college ed program for participation in the “Learn and Earn Program.

No action was taken on these bills.

Markup and Passage - No Bills

Committee Hearing
The following bills were on the Committee Hearing agenda:

HB 4440 permitting law enforcement to issue a citation when students are caught with nicotine in schools. This includes vape products.

HB 4697 requiring that any student in the 11th or 12th grade, who has been placed in a “free/elective/assistant” period, be informed of online college course opportunities available for them. This could be a verbal notice or in writing.

HB 4775 relating to addressing School Discipline in Public Schools. This bill requires annual reports to LOCEA, periodic updates to LOCEA, and would require the State department to publish the discipline data to be included on the data dashboard for public access.

These three bills will now go to the mark-up and discussion phase.

2026 Legislature: Weekly Wrap Up 2-6-26

The third full week of the 2026 Legislative Session has concluded, and we’ve seen a slower than average pace of bills moving through the process so far this year.

However, there is still a lot of work happening on bills before they get to a floor vote. The House Education subcommittees were particularly busy this week, and Education WV Co-President Dale Lee discussed concerns with some of the bills during subcommittee meetings. A few bills of note that the subcommittees discussed include:

HB 4485 allowing education employees to donate sick leave to co-workers for maternity leave was up for markup and passage. The bill also prohibits counties from not allowing mothers to use their sick leave. A strike and insert amendment was offered that would take higher ed out of the bill. The motion to adopt the committee substitute passed. The motion to report the strike and insert for HB 4485 as amended to the floor with the recommendation it do pass but first be reported to the standing Committee on Education was adopted. The bill will move to the House Education Committee for consideration.
HB 4062 creates the WV Homeschool Student Athletics Participation Act. This bill would allow organized homeschool teams the ability to play WVSSAC member schools. The WVSSAC spoke against the bill reminding the subcommittee that homeschool students currently have the opportunity to play in our schools. EWV Co-President Dale Lee also spoke to the bill with concerns. The bill will now advance to mark-up and discussion and must pass the subcommittee before being reported to the full Education Committee.
HB 4950 establishes the WV Freedom and Innovation Pilot Act of 2026. This allows a county to participate in a pilot program and be funded by a block grant receiving $5,775 per student in a block grant. The county would not be subject to the provisions of WV Code 18 and 18-A for staffing ratios, service personnel quotas, and salary schedules. This gives the pilot county full authority over their own salaries, benefits, class sizes and calendars. Co-President Dale Lee spoke about major concerns Education West Virginia has with the bill. The bill now advances to mark-up and discussion and must pass the subcommittee before being reported to the full Education Committee.

Please note that introduced bills are generally not reported on in the weekly wrap up until they are on a committee agenda and considered active. Education WV holds daily morning briefings with co-presidents and headquarters staff not only to prepare for the legislative day ahead, but also to review and assess all introduced legislation, its impact on our members and our strategy to promote passage, defeat or amendment of the bill.

Priority Issues
Numerous bills to address salaries and PEIA continue to be introduced. While the Governor proposed an average pay increase of 3% during his State of the State, the House leadership has indicated a willingness for a larger increase. The Senate also put forth their own pay raise last week and Education WV has been working this week with bill sponsors on clarifications and fiscal items in the bill.

SB 516 was discussed last week in the Senate Education Committee, and laid over for further discussion. The purpose of the bill is to establish a minimum salary of $50,000 for teachers, paired with an across-the-board raise of $2,000 for all educators. Since the meeting, Education WV Co-Presidents Dale Lee and Kristie Skidmore have been working with legislative leaders and their staff regarding some tweaks needed to ensure the full goal of the legislation is achieved, in addition to obtaining accurate figures to ensure an accurate fiscal note accompanies the bill. If this would become the bill that ultimately is the vehicle for a pay raise, other bills to provide pay increases for service personnel and public employees would be introduced and start to move as well.

Education WV has been working with lawmakers on other bills to offer employees relief on PEIA. Two of these bills include:

SB 660, relating to spousal coverage under PEIA, was introduced last week. Education WV has been working with the sponsors of this bill to bring this to fruition, believing it will lessen the impact of the spousal surcharge on our members. The bill would remove the requirement that an employee pay the actuarial value for spousal PEIA coverage and instead require the employee to pay for the coverage based upon their salary and tier of coverage. The bill was referred to the Banking and Insurance Committee and the Finance Committee.

SB 526 is an important bill to watch regarding PEIA. This bill modifies the 80/20 method of calculation of the employer and employee contribution percentages for PEIA premiums. This change would be beneficial to employees and result in lower costs. The bill was introduced on January 20 and referred to the Banking and Insurance Committee.

Bills that have passed one chamber
HB 4574 and HB 4575 have both passed the House. These two bills are the response to Hancock County’s financial crisis. While the House dispensed the rules and passed both bills on 1-19-26, the Senate chose to utilize the traditional process, and the bills will move through their committee references. The Senate chose to proceed via the regular process and both bills moved to the Senate for consideration. HB 4574 was discussed in Senate Education last week and WV Superintendent of Schools Michelle Blatt answered questions from the committee. No action was taken and the bill was laid over for a future meeting.

HB 4081 establishes the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant. The bill passed the House and awaits consideration by the Senate.

Committee Substitute for HB 4002 establishes the WV Collaboratory, which facilitates the dissemination of policy and research expertise through WVU, Marshall University, and West Virginia State University. The bill passed the House and now awaits consideration by the Senate.

Committee Substitute for HB 4005, the Workforce Development Act of 2026, provides for apprenticeship programs for ages 16 through 18, and clarifies the categories of employment which are prohibited or authorized for those who are under the age of 16. The bill passed the House and awaits consideration by the Senate.

HB 4422 permits students in the eighth and ninth grade to attend summer school in order to raise their grades and establish academic eligibility to play sports in the fall. The bill does not require counties to offer summer school but makes eighth and ninth graders eligible for those counties that offer summer school. The bill passed the House and awaits consideration by the Senate.

Eng. SB 155: Relating to adjunct teaching permits. This bill creates adjunct teaching permits requiring 4 years of experience in the subject or bachelor’s degree. It also stipulates a 1-year permit period, requires providing a mentor teacher, and prohibits adjunct permit personnel from teaching special education. Under the bill, permit holders would be hired only if no traditionally certified applicants apply for the position. The bill passed unanimously and now moves to the House. While Education WV recognizes the need for many school systems to fill positions, there are changes in the bill we believe should be made to provide guardrails and hope to work with members of the House to adopt these changes.

SB 388 requires public elementary or secondary school make the Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms. During the Senate Education Committee discussion, it was explained that the purpose of this bill was to make the Aitken bible available in 4th, 8th, and 10th grade social studies classrooms. No instruction is required by the teacher. The bill is modeled after last year’s “In God We Trust” sign bill as community organizations would provide these bibles at no expense to school systems. While this bill does not alter the instruction provided to students, Education WV believes it is an example of spending time during the legislative session on priorities that are out of touch with what our teachers and students need for success. The bill passed the Senate by a 30-4 vote and awaits consideration in the House.

SB 445 creates a program to include Potomac State College of West Virginia University as an eligible institution for participation in the "Learn and Earn Program." The bill removes reference to the program being a "pilot" program. The bill passed the Senate and awaits consideration by the House.

SB 536 relates to qualifications for serving on certain academic boards. The bill passed the Senate and now moves to the House for consideration.

Bills that have advanced from a committee
SB 11 allows certain Teachers Retirement System members to exchange unused leave for monetary compensation. The bill provides a cash bonus in exchange for up to 10 days unused days of personal leave. This bill passed the Senate last year but failed to make it across the finish line in the House. SB 11 passed the Senate Education Committee and moves to Senate Finance for consideration.

SB 63 creates the Sustaining Opportunities for Academics in Rural Schools Act (SOAR Act). This bill allows for the expansion of in-person public charter schools, including financial and structural support, to serve geographically remote areas. The bill advanced from the Select Committee on School Choice and moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

SB 102 establishes the Summer Feeding for All Program. This bill looks for innovative ways to provide assistance to students in need during summer break and other times. The bill was advanced from the Senate Education Committee and now awaits consideration by the Senate Finance Committee.

SB 170 allows a county board of education participating in a multicounty vocational center to determine that a career technical education program be part of the local high school and allows the program to be a state-approved program of study or a locally created program of study. The Senate Select Committee on School Choice advanced the bill and referred it to the Senate Education Committee.

Committee Substitute for SB 176 increases non-traditional instructional days for WV teachers from 5 to 10. The bill advanced from the committee and now moves to Senate Finance for consideration.

SB 196 relates generally to liability insurance coverage for boards of education. A Committee Substitute for SB 196 was advanced by the committee, and the bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

SB 216 creates the Restoring Private Schools Act of 2026. This bill gives vast autonomy to private schools. It removes requirements such as vaccinations, instructional days, attendance documentation, and assessments. During the Senate Select Committee on School Choice, Senator Clements offered an amendment requiring standardized assessments, with results available to parents. The amendment failed. Senator Woelfel offered an amendment requiring schools to require and keep immunization records. The amendment failed. The bill passed the committee and will move to the Senate floor for consideration.

Committee Substitute for SB 232 establishes WV Secondary School Athletic Trainer & Career Technical Education Program Act. The bill advanced and now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

SB 428 creates three separate job titles for school bus operators (pay scale based on experience) and includes cafeteria managers (class D & E). This bill is intended as a retention incentive. The bill passed the Senate Education Committee and now awaits consideration by the Senate Finance Committee.

SB 502 creates the Women’s Collegiate Sports Protection Act. The purpose of this bill is to protect and sustain women’s collegiate Olympic sports programs through permanent endowment funding, reward verified institutional efficiencies; incentivize private investment through targeted tax credits; and ensure full compliance with federal Title IX requirements. A committee substitute was advanced from the Senate Education Committee and the bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

SB 633 relates to the WV Commission on Holocaust Education. A committee substitute was advanced and contains several provisions including modernizing commission membership in light of the passing of Holocaust survivors and second-generation witnesses, strengthening safeguards for historical accuracy and mission integrity, and clarifying governance, transparency, and duties. The bill also ensures Holocaust education remains the central and primary purpose of the commission. The bill advanced from the Senate Education Committee and moves to the full Senate for consideration.

SB 683 removes the requirement that a kindergarten, preschool, or school education program operated by a private, parochial, or church school be recognized by West Virginia Department of Education Policy 2330 in order to be exempt from the section of code imposing certain childcare related licensure, approval, certification, and registration requirements. The bill advanced from the Select Committee on School Choice and now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

Committee Substitute for SB 694 removes county residency requirements for county superintendent of schools. There was much discussion on this bill during the Senate Education Committee meeting. Several amendments were offered, and some were withdrawn. An amendment to omit the travel time (hourly) restrictions was ultimately adopted. The bill advanced from the committee and advanced to second reading Senate floor on Friday, where it was laid over one day.

Committee Substitute for HB 4014, the Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act, establishes WV Micro-Credential programs and expands apprentice training tax credits. The Committee Substitute moves the Micro-Credentials program under Higher Education instead of Workforce. The bill advanced from the House Education Committee and awaits consideration by the House Finance Committee.

HB 4656 addresses chronic absenteeism. This bill creates a Student Support Specialist in each county to work with students with chronic absenteeism. The bill also looks at preventative measures for intervention rather than punitive measures. The bill advanced from the House Education Committee and now moves to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.

Committee Substitute for HB 4982 creates the Make West Virginia Healthy Act of 2026. The purpose of this bill is to establish and expand a coordinated, statewide Healthy Lifestyles framework to promote nutrition, farm to school initiatives, physical activity, and wellness through cross-agency collaboration, school-based initiatives, public-private partnerships, grants, and reporting requirements to improve the health of West Virginians. The bill passed the House Health and Human Resources Committee and was on second reading on Friday before the full House. An amendment was adopted on second reading which includes adding the use of the Presidential Fitness Test as part of this program. The bill advanced to third reading.

Be sure to take advantage of all the ways to stay informed about the 2026 Legislative Session:

Weekly Wrap Up (email and posted on Legislative Lookout page)
Daily Updates (posted on the Legislative Lookout page)
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Bluesky
Read Education WV’s Special Legislative Edition of Rising Voice

Daily Updates

Friday, January 30, 2026 – 17th Day of Session

SENATE
Floor Session

Bills on First Reading
SB 536: Relating to qualifications for serving on certain academic boards. The bill was advanced to second reading.

There were no committee meetings today related to education.

HOUSE
Floor Session

There were no education bills on the House special calendar today. There were no committee meetings today related to education.

Thursday, January 29, 2026 – 16th Day of Session

SENATE

Floor Session
The following education bills were on third reading:

SB 388: Requiring public elementary or secondary school make Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms.
- During committee discussion last week, it was explained that the purpose of this bill was to make the Aitken bible available in 4th, 8th and 10th grade social studies classrooms. No instruction is required by the teacher. The bill is modeled after last year’s “In God We Trust” sign bill as community organizations would provide these bibles at no expense to school systems. While this bill does not alter the instruction required for students, it’s an example of spending time during the legislative session on priorities that are out of touch with what our teachers and students need for success. Attempts were made during second reading to amend the bill, but the amendments failed. The bill passed in a 30-4 vote and now moves to the House for consideration.
SB 445: Adding Potomac State College as eligible institution for participation in Learn and Earn Program (original similar to HB 4533). The bill passed the Senate unanimously and now moves to the House for consideration.

Senate Committee Meetings

Education

SB 155: Relating to adjunct teaching permits. The bill creates adjunct teaching permits requiring of 4 years of experience in the subject or bachelor’s degree. It also stipulates a 1-year permit period, requires providing a mentor teacher, and prohibits adjunct permit personnel from teaching special education. Under the bill, permit holders would be hired only if there are no traditionally certified applicants who apply. The bill passed the committee and moves to the full Senate for consideration.
SB 196: Relating generally to liability insurance coverage for boards of education. A Committee Substitute for SB 196 was advanced by the committee, and the bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.
SB 11: Allowing certain Teachers Retirement System members to exchange unused leave for monetary compensation. The bill provides a cash bonus in exchange for up to 10 days unused days of personal leave. This bill passed the Senate last year but failed to make it across the finish line in the House. SB 11 passed the committee today and moves to Senate Finance for consideration.
SB 516: Increasing state minimum salary for teachers. The purpose of the bill is to establish a minimum salary of $50,000 for teachers, paired with an across the board raise of $2,000 increase for all educators. Education WV Co-President Kristie Skidmore attended the committee meeting and was asked to speak by Senator Garcia. Skidmore testified that the bill has the potential to be a positive initiative, but there may be some amendments needed, as well as a fiscal note, to ensure the goal of the legislation is achieved. The committee’s counsel stated that a fiscal note was requested yesterday evening. After much discussion, it was the decision of the chair to take no action today and the bill was laid over until a future date.

HOUSE

Floor Session
No education bills on the House special calendar today.

House Committee Meetings

Subcommittee on Educational Choice
Today in the House Educational Choice Subcommittee, HB 4817, relating to modifying the Charter Schools Startup, was on the committee hearing phase. This bill would create an additional fund opportunity of up to $100,000 for a Charter School that receives the initial startup grant of up to $300,000.

Subcommittee on Higher Education
In the House Higher Ed Subcommittee, the following bills were up for markup and passage:

HB 4116, relating to eligibility for WV Invests Grant Program. This bill expands for eligibility for an associate degree in emergency medical services. The motion to report the bill to the floor with the recommendation it do pass but first be referred to the full Committee on Education was adopted.
HB 4152, Workforce-Education Partnership Act. This bill incentivizes businesses to invest in vocational training opportunities. The motion to report the bill to the floor with the recommendation it do pass but first be referred to the full Committee on Education was adopted.
HB 4533, including Potomac State in the definition of community and technical college education program for participation in the “Learn and Earn Program.” The motion to report the bill to the floor with the recommendation it do pass but first be referred to the full Committee on Education was adopted.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 – 15th Day of Session

SENATE

Floor Session
Bills on Second Reading

SB 388: Requiring public elementary or secondary school make Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms. An amendment was offered by Senator Woelfel to add “and the Catholic American bible” to the bill. After much debate, the amendment failed. The bill advanced to third reading.

SB 445: Adding Potomac State College as eligible institution for participation in Learn and Earn Program (original similar to HB 4533). The bill advanced to third reading.

Scheduled Committee Meetings

Select Committee on School Choice
SB 170: Allowing career technical education program to be part of local high school. The purpose of this bill is to allow a county board of education participating in a multicounty vocational center to determine that a career technical education program be part of the local high school; and allow the program to be a state-approved program of study or a locally created program of study. The advanced the bill to the report to senate floor with a recommendation to refer to the senate education committee.

SB 536: Relating to qualifications for serving on certain academic boards. The bill passed the committee and moves to the Senate floor for consideration.

SB 216: Restoring Private Schools Act of 2026. This bill gives vast autonomy to private schools. It removes requirements such as vaccinations, instructional days, attendance documentation, and assessments. Senator from Clements offered an amendment requiring standardized assessments, with results available to parents. The amendment failed. Senator Woelfel offered an amendment requiring schools to require and keep immunization records. The amendment failed. The bill passed the committee and will move to the Senate floor for consideration.

Senate Finance Committee
During today’s meeting, the committee heard a budget presentation from WVDE. Senators were engaged and asking good questions about the budget and the school aid formula.

HOUSE

Floor Session
Today during the House Floor Session, HB 4422, permitting students in the eighth and ninth grade to attend summer school in order to raise their grades and establish academic eligibility to play sports in the fall passed by a vote of 95-0 with 4 members absent. The bill does not require counties to offer summer school but makes eighth and ninth graders eligible for those counties that offer summer school. That was the only education related bill on the House Special Calendar.

Committee Meetings: No committee meetings to report today.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – 14th Day of Session

SENATE

Floor Session
First Reading (Both bills advanced to second reading)

SB 388: Requiring public elementary or secondary school make Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms
- During committee discussion last week, it was explained that the purpose of this bill was to make the Aitken bible available in 4th, 8th and 10th grade social studies classrooms. No instruction is required by the teacher. The bill is modeled after last year’s “In God We Trust” sign bill as community organizations would provide these bibles at no expense to school systems. While this bill does not alter the instruction required for students, it’s an example of spending time during the legislative session on priorities that are out of touch with what our teachers and students need for success.
SB 445: Adding Potomac State College as eligible institution for participation in Learn and Earn Program (original similar to HB 4533)

Committee Meetings

Senate Education
Today in Senate Education the following bills were discussed:
SB 102 Establishing Summer Feeding for All Program. This bill looks for innovative ways provide assistance to students in need during summer break and other times. The motion to report the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation it do pass but first be reported to the Committee on Finance was adopted.

HB 4574 Providing for condition-based emergency funding for a financially distressed county. This provides available funding in the terms of a loan for a distressed county for personnel and operating expenses for the remainder of the year. This bill passed the House in one day to assist Hancock County. The companion bill providing $8,000,000 in funding has been assigned to Senate Finance. Several questions were asked of council and State Superintendent Blatt. The bill was laid over with more questions to be asked.

HOUSE

Floor Session
Today on the House Floor, the Committee Substitute for HB 4002 Establishing the WV Collaboratory, passed by a vote of 76-12 with 11 members not voting. This bill facilitates the dissemination of polity and research expertise through WVU, Marshall University and West Virginia State University.

The Committee Substitute for HB 4005, the Workforce Development Act of 2026, passed by a vote of 83-5 with 11 members not voting. The bill provides for apprenticeship programs for ages 16 through 18, but are prohibited for children under the age of 16.

On second reading was HB 4422, permitting students in the 8th and 9th grade to attend summer school in order to raise their grades and establish academic eligibility to play fall sports. This bill does not require summer school for a county, only permits 8th and 9th graders to take summer school courses. With no amendments, the bill advances to third reading.

Committee Meetings:

Today in House Education, the following bills were discussed:

A Committee Substitute for HB 4014, Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act. Their bill establishes WV Micro-Credential programs and expands apprentice training tax credits. The Committee Substitute moves the Micro-Credentials program under Higher Education instead of Workforce. The motion to report the Committee Substitute for HB 4014 to the floor with the recommendation it do pass but first be referred to the Committee on Finance was adopted.

HB 4656, the chronic absenteeism bill. This bill creates a Student Support Specialist in each county to work with students with chronic absenteeism. The bill also looks at preventative measures for intervention rather than punitive measures. The motion to report HB 4656 to the floor with the recommendation it do pass but first be referred to the Committee on Judiciary was adopted.

HB 4660 moving the sixth grade from the elementary school to the middle school was pulled from the agenda.

Monday, January 26, 2026 – 13th Day of Session

Both the Senate and the House have cancelled all committee meetings and floor sessions today due to the weather.

2026 Legislature: Weekly Wrap Up 1-30-26

The second full week of the 2026 Legislative Session was slightly abbreviated, with neither chamber conducting votes on Monday due to inclement weather and travel conditions.

The education committees in each chamber advanced a handful of bills this week and a few passed their chamber of origin. Numerous bills were introduced this week; some of these are positive bills for education employees, and some are concerning.

Please note that introduced bills are generally not reported on in the weekly wrap up until they are on a committee agenda and considered active. Education WV holds daily morning briefings with co-presidents and headquarters staff not only to prepare for the legislative day ahead, but also to review and assess all introduced legislation, its impact on our members and our strategy to promote passage, defeat or amendment of the bill. Rest assured that Education WV is constantly working to improve and protect your professional interests.

Priority Issues

Numerous bills to address salaries and PEIA are starting to be introduced. While the Governor proposed an average pay increase of 3% during his State of the State, the House leadership has indicated a willingness for a larger increase. The Senate also put forth their own pay raise this week.

SB 516 was on the agenda of the Senate Education Committee agenda on Thursday. The purpose of the bill is to establish a minimum salary of $50,000 for teachers, paired with an across-the-board raise of $2,000 for all educators. Education WV Co-President Kristie Skidmore attended the committee meeting and was asked to speak by Senator Garcia. Skidmore testified that the bill is a positive initiative, but there may be some tweaks needed to ensure the full goal of the legislation is achieved.

Education WV has been working with lawmakers on other bills to offer employees relief on PEIA. Two of these bills include:

SB 660, relating to spousal coverage under PEIA, was introduced on Thursday. Education WV has been working with the sponsors of this bill to bring this to fruition, believing it will lessen the impact of the spousal surcharge on our members. The bill would remove the requirement that an employee pay the actuarial value for spousal PEIA coverage and instead require the employee to pay for the coverage based upon their salary and tier of coverage. The bill was referred to the Banking and Insurance Committee and the Finance Committee.

SB 526 is an important bill to watch regarding PEIA. This bill modifies the 80/20 method of calculation of the employer and employee contribution percentages for PEIA premiums. This change would be beneficial to employees and result in lower costs. The bill was introduced on January 20 and referred to the Banking and Insurance Committee.

Bills that have passed one chamber

HB 4574 and HB 4575 have both passed the House. These two bills are the response to Hancock County’s financial crisis. While the House dispensed the rules and passed both bills on 1-19-26, the Senate chose to utilize the traditional process, and the bills will move through their committee references. There was some discussion and disagreement on the floor amongst a few senators on whether the bills should be fast tracked or not. The Senate chose not to suspend rules and to proceed via the regular process to pass the bill. Both bills moved to the Senate for consideration. HB 4574 was discussed in Senate Education on Tuesday, and WV Superintendent of Schools Michelle Blatt answered questions from the committee. No action was taken and the bill was laid over for a future meeting.

HB 4081 establishes the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant. The bill passed the House Education Committee and was on third reading on the House floor today. An amendment was offered by Delegate Young on the House floor during second reading to include buying food. The amendment passed. During third reading, there was a surprising amount of debate around the bill, with a faction of the House opposing the bill. The bill did ultimately pass in a 71-22 vote. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Committee Substitute for HB 4002 establishes the WV Collaboratory, which facilitates the dissemination of policy and research expertise through WVU, Marshall University, and West Virginia State University. The bill passed the House and now awaits consideration by the Senate.

Committee Substitute for HB 4005, the Workforce Development Act of 2026, passed the full House by a vote of 83-5 with 11 members not voting. The bill provides for apprenticeship programs for ages 16 through 18, and clarifies the categories of employment which are prohibited or authorized for those who are under the age of 16. The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate.

HB 4422 permits students in the eighth and ninth grade to attend summer school in order to raise their grades and establish academic eligibility to play sports in the fall. The bill does not require counties to offer summer school but makes eighth and ninth graders eligible for those counties that offer summer school. The bill passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

SB 388 requires public elementary or secondary school make the Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms. During committee discussion, it was explained that the purpose of this bill was to make the Aitken bible available in 4^th, 8^th and 10^th grade social studies classrooms. No instruction is required by the teacher. The bill is modeled after last year’s “In God We Trust” sign bill as community organizations would provide these bibles at no expense to school systems. While this bill does not alter the instruction provided to students, it’s an example of spending time during the legislative session on priorities that are out of touch with what our teachers and students need for success. The bill advanced from the Senate Education Committee and was passed on the Senate floor by a 30-4 vote. It now moves to the House for consideration.

SB 445 creates a program to include Potomac State College of West Virginia University as an eligible institution for participation in the "Learn and Earn Program." The bill removes reference to the program being a "pilot" program. The bill passed the Senate in a 34-0 vote and moves to the House for consideration.

Bills that have advanced from a committee

SB 428 creates three separate job titles for school bus operators (pay scale based on experience) and includes cafeteria managers (class D & E). This bill is intended as a retention incentive. The bill passed the Senate Education Committee and now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

SB 102 establishes the Summer Feeding for All Program. This bill looks for innovative ways to provide assistance to students in need during summer break and other times. The bill was advanced from the Senate Education Committee and now moves to the Finance Committee for consideration.

SB 155 creates adjunct teaching permits requiring 4 years of experience in the subject or bachelor’s degree. It also stipulates a 1-year permit period, requires providing a mentor teacher, and prohibits adjunct permit personnel from teaching special education. Under the bill, permit holders would be hired only if no traditionally certified applicants apply for the position. While Education WV recognizes the need for many school systems to fill positions, there are a few amendments that we believe should be made in the bill to provide guardrails. The bill passed the committee and moves to the full Senate for consideration.

SB 196 relates generally to liability insurance coverage for boards of education. A Committee Substitute for SB 196 was advanced by the committee, and the bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

SB 11 allows certain Teachers Retirement System members to exchange unused leave for monetary compensation. The bill provides a cash bonus in exchange for up to 10 days unused days of personal leave. This bill passed the Senate last year but failed to make it across the finish line in the House. SB 11 passed the Senate Education Committee and moves to Senate Finance for consideration.

SB 216 creates the Restoring Private Schools Act of 2026. This bill gives vast autonomy to private schools. It removes requirements such as vaccinations, instructional days, attendance documentation, and assessments. During the Senate Select Committee on School Choice, Senator Clements offered an amendment requiring standardized assessments, with results available to parents. The amendment failed. Senator Woelfel offered an amendment requiring schools to require and keep immunization records. The amendment failed. The bill passed the committee and will move to the Senate floor for consideration.

SB 170 allows a county board of education participating in a multicounty vocational center to determine that a career technical education program be part of the local high school and allows the program to be a state-approved program of study or a locally created program of study. The Senate Select Committee on School Choice advanced the bill and referred it to the Senate Education Committee.

Committee Substitute for HB 4014, the Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act, establishes WV Micro-Credential programs and expands apprentice training tax credits. The Committee Substitute moves the Micro-Credentials program under Higher Education instead of Workforce. The bill advanced from the House Education Committee and awaits consideration by the House Finance Committee.

HB 4656 addresses chronic absenteeism. This bill creates a Student Support Specialist in each county to work with students with chronic absenteeism. The bill also looks at preventative measures for intervention rather than punitive measures. The bill advanced from the House Education Committee and now moves to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.

Be sure to take advantage of all the ways to stay informed about the 2026 Legislative Session:

Weekly Wrap Up (email and posted on Legislative Lookout page)
Daily Updates (posted on the Legislative Lookout page)
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Bluesky
Read Education WV’s Special Legislative Edition of Rising Voice

Daily Updates

Friday, January 23, 2026 – 10th Day of Session

SENATE
Floor Session
No action to report.

No committee meetings today.
Senate adjourned until Monday at 2 PM.

HOUSE
Floor Session

Third Reading
HB 4081 Establishing the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant. The bill was on third reading on the House floor today. An amendment was offered by Delegate Young on the House floor during second reading to include buying food. The amendment passed. There was a surprising amount of debate around the bill, with a faction of the House opposing the bill. The bill did ultimately pass in a 71-22 vote. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Second Reading
Comm Sub for HB 4002 establishes the WV Collaboratory. The bill allows WVU, Marshall and WV State to conduct, manage or participate in research projects and opportunities of interest to lawmakers and citizens in areas of workforce development, public education and other areas. The bill passed the House Education Committee and was on second reading on the House floor today. Amendments were adopted during second reading that includes all state-funded higher education institutions in the bill.

The Committee Substitute for HB 4005 clarifies the categories of employment which are prohibited or authorized for persons in West Virginia who are under the age of 18 and clarifies youth apprenticeships prohibited or authorized in such categories of employment and to be known as "The Workforce Development Act of 2026." This bill was amended with some code cleanup as well as a restoration of the prohibition of certain job categories. The bill was advanced to third reading.

First Reading
HB 4422 permits students in eighth and ninth grade to attend summer school in order to raise their grades and establish academic eligibility to play sports in the fall. This does not require counties to provide summer school. The bill advanced to second reading.

No committee meetings today.
House adjourned until Monday at 1:30 PM.

Thursday, January 22, 2026 – 9th Day of Session

SENATE
Floor Session
No action to report.

Education
The Senate Education Committee considered two bills today:
SB 388 requires public elementary or secondary school make the Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms. During committee discussion, it was explained that the purpose of this bill was to make the Aitken bible available in 4th, 8th and 10th grade social studies classrooms. No instruction is required by the teacher. The bill is modeled after last year’s “In God We Trust” sign bill as community organizations would provide these bibles at no expense to school systems. While this bill does not alter the instruction provided to students, it’s an example of spending time during the legislative session on priorities that are out of touch with what our teachers and students need for success. The bill advanced from the committee and moves to the floor for consideration.

SB 445 creates a program to include Potomac State College of West Virginia University as an eligible institution for participation in the "Learn and Earn Program". The bill removes reference to the program being a "pilot" program. The bill advanced from the committee and moves to the Senate floor for consideration.

HOUSE
Floor Session
Today on the House floor the following bills were on second reading with the right to amend:
The Committee Substitute for HB 4005, the Skills to Work bill, was postponed one day retaining its place on the calendar.

HB 4081 Establishing the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant. An amendment was offered by Delegate Young to include buying any food. The amendment passed. The bill now advances to third reading.

On first reading was HB 4002 establishing the WV Collaboratory. The bill advances to second reading.

Committee Meetings:
House Educational Choice Subcommittee
Tony Erwin gave a presentation on Ignite Athletics and homeschooling during the subcommittee meeting.

House Higher Education Subcommittee
The following bills were on the Committee Hearing stage:
HB 4116 relates to the WV Invests Grants Program. The bill would expand the program to include post secondary students for emergency medical services.

HB 4119 establishes the WV TEACH Scholarship Program. This would create a Child-Care Help scholarship.

HB 4152 creates the Workforce-Education Partnership Act. This bill incentivizes business owners to invest in the development of skilled labor in our vocational and high school classes.

HB 4533 includes Potomac State College for the “Learn and Earn Program”.

House Education Committee (full committee)
The following bills were on the Committee hearing stage:
HB 4656 relates to chronic student absenteeism. The bill is intended to implement preventative rather than punitive measures for students. It makes the definition more specific rather than broad based. The bill also provides for a Student Support Specialist in schools.

HB 4660 moves any remaining sixth grade classifications from elementary schools to middle schools. The bill would now consider the sixth grade in a middle school category. The bill does not require relocation of the sixth grade if they are not at the middle school location.

Both bills will now advance for markup and passage.

**Please note that introduced bills are not reported on until they are on a committee agenda and considered active.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 – 8th Day of Session

HOUSE
Floor Session
The following bills were on first reading in the House:
The Committee Substitute for HB 4005, the Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act HB 4081, to create the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant Both bills advance to the second reading with the right to amend.

Committee Meetings
Education
Today in House Education HB 4422, permitting students in eighth and ninth grade to attend summer school in order to raise their grades and establish academic eligibility to play sports in the fall. This does not require counties to provide summer school. The motion to advance HB 4422 to the floor with the recommendation it do pass was adopted.

SENATE
Floor Session
Another short floor session with no education bills on the calendar.

Senator Chapman did speak out against how House Bills 4574 and 4575 (bills to address Hancock County Schools’ financial crisis) were not taken up for immediate consideration yesterday and instead sent to separate committees. She claimed the students and educators of Hancock County deserved better and that the Senate had no problem suspending the rules when it came to passing other bills, showing its constituents that Education was not a priority. Senator Woelfel then stood up and praised President Smith for taking the time to really look at the bills instead of immediately passing them.

Committee Meetings
Finance
Today in Senate Finance, the School Building Authority gave a presentation on the mission of the organization, their budget, and their funding requests. The SBA currently has 109 projects that are in the active and design phases.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 – 7th Day of Session

HOUSE
Committee Meetings

Education
Today in House Education, the Committee Substitute for HB 4002, establishing the WV Collaboratory, was discussed. The bill allows WVU, Marshall and WV State to conduct, manage or participate in research projects and opportunities of interest to lawmakers and citizens in areas of workforce development, public education and other areas. The motion to report the Committee Substitute for HB 4002 to the floor with the recommendation it do pass adopted.

House Ed conducted hearings on HB 4014, Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act and HB 4422, permitting students in 8th and 9th grade to attend summer school in order to raise their grades and establish academic eligibility for fall sports. Both bills will be on a future agenda for markup and passage.

SENATE
Committee Meetings

Education
SB 428 creates three separate job titles for school bus operators (pay scale based on experience) and includes cafeteria managers (class D & E). The bill passed the committee and will be reported to the floor with the recommendation it do pass but first be referred to the Committee on Finance. This bill is intended for a retention incentive.

SB 171 creates the WV Released Time Education Act. Chairman Grady announced the bill is off the agenda for just today.

The committee also heard a presentation on charter schools. The presenter discussed maximizing infrastructure with less red tape, underused public-school buildings and making them available at or below market values, yield/increase matching funds from federal money, as there is strong support from the federal administration for doing so.

**Please note that introduced bills are not reported on until they are on a committee agenda and considered active.

2026 Legislature: Weekly Wrap Up 1-23-26

The first full week of 2026 Legislative Session has concluded, and the pace was fairly slow compared to some recent years. The education committees in each chamber advanced a handful of bills and heard numerous presentations on various topics like charter schools and athletics for homeschool students.

The structure of the House Education Committee includes three subcommittees. The subcommittees held hearings on several bills this week, so we expect those bills to move to full committee agendas soon. You can read the subcommittee agendas and the bills discussed this week in our Daily Legislative Updates on the Legislative Lookout page on our website.

Also this week, the Senate passed a resolution, SR 6, to recognize the invaluable service of WV school custodians.

Priority Issues

Bills to address salaries and PEIA have not been on a committee agenda yet, which is not unusual for this early in the session for high price tag items. There have been multiple pay raise bills introduced, but it is unclear at this time which version will end up moving. While the Governor proposed an average pay increase of 3% during his State of the State, the House leadership has indicated they are looking at a 5% increase.

SB 526 is an important bill to watch regarding PEIA. This bill modifies the 80/20 method of calculation of the employer and employee contribution percentages for PEIA premiums. This change would be beneficial to employees and result in lower costs.

Education WV has been working with lawmakers on other bills to offer employees relief on PEIA, including modifying the spousal surcharge, but this legislation has not yet been introduced.

Bills that have passed one chamber

HB 4574 and HB 4575 have both passed the House.

HB 4574 relates to providing condition-based emergency funding for a financially distressed county.
HB 4575 makes Supplemental Appropriation to State Board of Education.
These two bills are the response to Hancock County’s financial crisis. While the House dispensed with the rules and passed both bills on 1-19-26, the Senate chose to utilize the traditional process, and the bills will move through their committee references. There was some discussion and disagreement on the floor amongst a few senators on whether the bills should be fast tracked or not. The Senate chose not to suspend rules and to proceed via the regular process to pass the bill. Both bills move to Senate Education, then Senate Finance for consideration.

HB 4081 establishes the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant. The bill passed the House Education Committee and was on third reading on the House floor today. An amendment was offered by Delegate Young on the House floor during second reading to include buying food. The amendment passed. During third reading, there was a surprising amount of debate around the bill, with a faction of the House opposing the bill. The bill did ultimately pass in a 71-22 vote. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Bills that have advanced from a committee

SB 388 requires public elementary or secondary school make the Aitken Bible available to certain classrooms. During committee discussion, it was explained that the purpose of this bill was to make the Aitken bible available in 4th, 8th and 10th grade social studies classrooms. No instruction is required by the teacher. The bill is modeled after last year’s “In God We Trust” sign bill as community organizations would provide these bibles at no expense to school systems. While this bill does not alter the instruction provided to students, it’s an example of spending time during the legislative session on priorities that are out of touch with what our teachers and students need for success. The bill advanced from the Senate Education Committee and moves to the Senate floor for consideration.

SB 428 creates three separate job titles for school bus operators (pay scale based on experience) and includes cafeteria managers (class D & E). This bill is intended as a retention incentive. The bill passed the Senate Education Committee and now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

SB 445 creates a program to include Potomac State College of West Virginia University as an eligible institution for participation in the "Learn and Earn Program." The bill removes reference to the program being a "pilot" program. The bill advanced from the Senate Education Committee and moves to the Senate floor for consideration.

Comm Sub for HB 4002 establishes the WV Collaboratory. The bill allows WVU, Marshall and WV State to conduct, manage or participate in research projects and opportunities of interest to lawmakers and citizens in areas of workforce development, public education and other areas. The bill passed the House Education Committee and was on second reading on the House floor today. Amendments were adopted during second reading that includes all state-funded higher education institutions in the bill.

The Committee Substitute for HB 4005 clarifies the categories of employment which are prohibited or authorized for persons in West Virginia who are under the age of 18 and clarifies youth apprenticeships prohibited or authorized in such categories of employment and to be known as "The Workforce Development Act of 2026." This bill, on second reading on the House floor today, was amended with some code cleanup as well as a restoration of the prohibition of certain job categories. The bill was advanced to third reading.

HB 4422 permits students in eighth and ninth grade to attend summer school in order to raise their grades and establish academic eligibility to play sports in the fall. This does not require counties to provide summer school. The bill passed the House Education Committee and is on first reading on the House floor.

**Please note that introduced bills are generally not reported on until they are on a committee agenda and considered active.

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