The House Public Education and Educational Choice Committees discussed several bills this afternoon.
Public Education
House Bill 4871 would make vegetarian meal option available for students that complies with federal nutritional guidelines.
House Bill 4467 would permit pregnant women and new mothers who are employed by the public school system to utilize the sick leave bank.
House Bill 4485 would allow educators in the public school system or in the higher education system to donate leave to employees for maternity leave.
Educational Choice
House Bill 4817 would modify the Charter Schools Startup Fund. Some of these modifications include an application submission to be sent to the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board, expanding the uses for the funds, and requiring the distribution of money to qualifying charter school applicants and charter schools.
House Bill 4062 would create the West Virginia Homeschool Student Athletics Participation Act. This act would create an opportunity for homeschool students to play in WVSSAC athletics.
House Bill 4950 would establish the West Virginia Freedom and Innovation Pilot Act of 2026. This act would let school districts opt out of the school aid formula, following School Board approval. Any county that chooses to participate in the pilot program shall be funded by a grant of $5,775 per enrolled student as of December 2025.
