SB 797 West Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Continuing of independent living and transitional support services for youth

This bill creates a structured support system for West Virginia youth aging out of foster care (typically 18-21 years old). It requires the Department of Human Services to develop a three-phase living arrangement system (supervised independent living, scattered-site housing, and supportive independent living) plus mandatory life skills training in housing, employment, and education. Funding will use per diem rates designed to maximize federal reimbursement, include annual cost-of-living adjustments, and provide monthly stipends to youth for basic living costs. The system must incorporate input from former foster youth, providers, and community partners, with annual reporting on outcomes like housing stability and employment.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Last action Feb 11, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
4
Feb 11, 2026
Committee
To Finance
upper
Feb 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported do pass, but first to Finance
upper
Feb 6, 2026
Committee
To Health and Human Resources
upper
Feb 6, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
To Health and Human Resources then Finance
upper
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors