Week 2 (January 15-19)

Despite the cold snowy weather, legislators were very busy and we are now tracking more than 125 education-related bills (see bill tracking). Both House and Senate Education Committees considered multiple bills. We were pleased that bills providing pay raises for teachers and service personnel are now advancing. See these highlights below:

Senate Education

• SB 280 Allowing teachers in public schools to teach intelligent design - This bill is on the Senate floor for its second reading after passing from the Senate Education Committee.
• SB 152 Displaying official US motto in public schools - This bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to Education before returning to the floor. The Committee substitute that was reported from Education is currently on 2nd reading.
• SB 253 Establishing minimum student enrollment for school aid formula - This bill was introduced in the Senate and moved to Education. A committee substitute was reported to Finance earlier this week.
• SB 466 Requiring development of safety while accessing technology education program - This bill was introduced to the Senate Education Committee.
• SB 448 Requiring age-appropriate instruction on Holocaust in public schools - This bill was introduced to the Senate Education Committee.
• SB 259 Requiring Higher Education Policy Commission to create and administer PROMISE Plus Program - This bill was introduced to the Senate Education Committee.

House Education

• HB 4202 Raising salaries for school service personnel - This bill was introduced to House Education and moved swiftly to House Finance.
• HB 4763 Establishing the behavioral health workforce education initiative at the Higher Education Policy Commission - This bill was introduced to House Education.
• HB 4767 Relating to WV teaching salaries - This bill was introduced to House Education then moved to House Finance. Read more here.
• HB 4768 Relating to increasing the number of out-of-state medical students receiving in-state tuition rates who agree to practice for a specific time within West Virginia - This bill was introduced in House Education on Tuesday.
• HB 4769 Clarifying appropriate and inappropriate duties for school counselors while also providing the definition of a school counselor - This bill passed from House Education with an amendment. It moves back to the House Special Calendar, scheduling its first reading on the floor for Friday.
• HCR 24 To create a study resolution to examine the school aid formula - This resolution was sent to the Rules Committee on Thursday.