Education (Student Health)

HB 4871 requires West Virginia public school districts to offer a vegetarian meal option that meets federal nutrition standards for students enrolled in schools. County school boards must make this option available but can require advance requests (with reasonable deadlines) and are not obligated to provide it if a request isn't submitted in time. The bill does not change existing rules for medical or religious dietary accommodations and allows school districts to set their own implementation procedures for requests and menu planning. It directly affects students seeking vegetarian meals and school nutrition programs operating under federal meal reimbursement programs.

SB 619, the Stop the Bleed Act, requires West Virginia public schools to implement bleeding control programs starting in the 2026-2027 school year. It mandates schools to place bleeding control kits (containing tourniquets, bandages, gauze, gloves, and DHS/ACS instructional materials) in accessible locations, train staff every other year on wound control techniques, and integrate bleeding control education into high school curricula for grades 9-12. The bill also requires annual kit inspections, post-use restocking, and provides civil immunity for school personnel using kits unless gross negligence occurs. Funding may come from private donations or legislative appropriations. This law directly affects all West Virginia county school districts and their students and staff.

SB 442 creates a new "homeless education coordinator" position in West Virginia counties designated as "urban" by the State Board of Education. This position will directly assist homeless children and youth in accessing and staying in school by addressing barriers to attendance and enrollment. The bill amends education law to clarify the coordinator's role in supporting homeless students, ensuring they receive necessary services under federal and state education requirements. The coordinator will work within designated urban counties to implement strategies that prevent school disruption for homeless students.