HB 5118 requires all West Virginia public schools that qualify for the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) to apply for this program, ensuring they maximize available federal funding for free school meals. It directly affects qualifying schools - typically those with high poverty rates - by mandating participation in CEP, which allows all students to receive free breakfast and lunch without individual applications. The bill's key mechanism is a requirement for school districts to utilize CEP or other universal meal options to provide free meals at no cost to students, leveraging existing federal resources. This policy change streamlines access to meal programs for eligible students without creating new state funding.
This bill allows West Virginia county school boards to hire or accept certified chaplains as volunteers to provide support services for students, staff, and parents. Chaplains selected by school boards do not need state certification or licensing, but must pass background checks (similar to child care facilities) and cannot be registered sex offenders. The bill also limits legal liability for chaplains unless their actions were maliciously intended to harm or harass others. It directly affects school boards, chaplains, and the school community by creating a formal pathway for chaplain services.
HB 5192 clarifies that the School Access Safety Fund's per-pupil funding calculation must use the higher of either the last three-year average enrollment or the current year's enrollment. This change ensures funding levels remain stable during temporary enrollment declines, preventing reductions in allocated funds. County school boards receiving these safety-related funds will use this method to determine their per-pupil allocation. The bill specifically amends existing law for the School Access Safety Fund, which supports school safety projects.
HB 5148, the Student Bill of Rights, creates a formal framework of rights for all public school students in West Virginia. It directly affects every student by guaranteeing access to meaningful education, safe facilities, free expression (including speech and assembly), and the right to participate in curriculum development. Key mechanisms include requiring schools to provide written copies of the Student Bill of Rights at registration, maintain accessible written policies, and establish clear grievance procedures for complaints. The bill also ensures students can express views without discrimination, receive timely notice of school rules, and access their educational records. These provisions aim to standardize student protections across all public schools in the state.
HB 5121 requires all West Virginia public elementary, middle, and high schools to provide free tampons and pads to female students. County boards of education must ensure these feminine hygiene products are available at no cost in school facilities. The bill directly affects every public school in the state and its female students by mandating access to these essential items. This policy change replaces any existing requirements with a statewide standard for free provision of such products.
HB 5270 requires West Virginia public high schools participating in sports, ROTC, or performing arts to employ at least one licensed athletic trainer full-time. The bill mandates that county school boards fund this position using local budgets, levies, or other available funds, and the trainer must be certified by the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy. Key provisions include requiring trainers to handle specialized health procedures like concussion evaluations and musculoskeletal injury management, while ensuring compliance with state athletic policies on concussions and emergency plans. This directly affects all high school athletic programs across the state by establishing a baseline for on-site medical care during sports activities.
HB 5054 requires counties participating in West Virginia's QMHP Pilot Program to ensure every public school in the county has at least one qualified mental health professional (QMHP). A QMHP is defined as a registered mental health professional (including school counselors, who are automatically classified as QMHPs under the bill) who collaborates with schools but does not practice independently. This mandate applies only to schools in counties that join the pilot program, aiming to guarantee student access to mental health support. The bill does not alter existing school counselor duties but formalizes their role in meeting the QMHP requirement.
HB 5637 adds 50% weighted funding to West Virginia's school aid formula for students with unique learning needs, including students with disabilities and English language learners. This means schools serving these students will receive additional state funding based on counting each such student as 1.5 full-time students in enrollment calculations. The bill requires county school boards to apply to the state superintendent for this supplemental funding, which is distributed based on student proficiency levels and county capacity. It directly affects public schools and students with disabilities or limited English proficiency by increasing their funding allocation.
HB 5115 requires West Virginia public schools (K-12) to adopt trauma-informed practices starting July 1, 2026, affecting all teachers, school staff, and students. The bill mandates training for educators on understanding trauma's impact on learning and behavior, while requiring schools to replace punitive discipline with restorative practices that address root causes. It also specifies creating inclusive school environments where students feel safe, connected, and supported through evidence-based strategies that avoid discrimination. The State Board of Education must develop implementing rules to ensure compliance with these standards.
HB 5137 would exempt county school buses from paying toll fees when used for regular school activities. Specifically, it covers buses transporting students to and from school, school-related events (like field trips and sports), and maintenance driving. The bill applies only to buses operated by county school systems within their regular school operations. This change would directly affect school districts and bus drivers by eliminating toll costs for these essential transportation services.
