House Bill 4395 would require school systems in West Virginia to investigate allegations that a school employee has jeopardized the health, safety, or welfare of a student, even if the employee resigns or transfers before the investigation is completed.
The bill was reported to the full Senate with a recommendation of passage.
House Bill 4592 would allow state colleges and universities to create detailed campus safety maps to help first responders during emergencies.
The maps would display building layouts, including rooms, hallways, stairwells, entrances, and the location of safety equipment such as automated external defibrillators and trauma kits.
The bill was reported to the full Senate with a recommendation of passage, first being sent to the committee on Finance.
House Bill 5012 would clarify rules for transferring or reassigning school employees.
Under the bill, county superintendents could still assign or transfer teachers and other school staff, provided approval is obtained from the county board of education. However, no transfer could be made for arbitrary, capricious, or retaliatory reasons.
Senator Michael A. Oliverio II (R – Monongalia, 13) proposed an amendment that would ensure that a transfer cannot take place until the following year to ensure that the employee can apply for another position.
The amendment was adopted.
The bill, as amended, was reported to the full Senate with a recommendation of passage.
House Bill 5089 would require public schools to accept transcripts or academic records from public charter schools, private schools, homeschool programs, microschools, and HOPE Scholarship programs when placing students in the appropriate grade or awarding credit.
The Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability would be required to provide an annual report on students who return to public school after attending a previous education program.
The report would include the students’ demographic information, such as age, race, county, and grade level.
The bill was reported to the full Senate with a recommendation of passage.
House Bill 5354 would update the rules for state higher education agencies.
The state would authorize several rules from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, related to the Mental Health Loan Repayment Program and an Administrative Exemption rule.
These programs are intended to help support mental health professionals and address administrative policies within the state’s higher education system.
The bill was reported to the full Senate with a recommendation of passage.
