The House Education Committee re-convened at 2 p.m. to continue fulfilling their agenda from an early morning 9 a.m. meeting today, Jan. 23 in 434-M.
The Education Committee considered House Bill 2004, a bill to encourage cooperation between high school programs and state community and technical colleges.
House Bill 2004 would encourage communication between those in public West Virginia high schools preparing to go into a technical field, and the community and technical colleges that offer those corresponding programs. The bill would facilitate the ability for students to earn credit toward licensure while they’re still in high school, making it a seamless transition into their technical programs.
The bill was also drafted with the intent to help these students graduate early and become license quicker for fields that have a high demand for more employees within the state.
While the committee seemed to agree with the intent of the bill, the idea that certain language within the bill should be adjusted to better align with the intent of the bill.
Delegates Sean Hornbuckle (D-Cabell), Lisa Zukoff (D-Marshall), and Ed Evans (D-McDowell) proposed an amendment to change the definition of an “apprentice” to distinguish that “apprentice” should mean somebody enrolled in a registered and credible apprenticeship program, to ensure cooperation with the state. This amendment to provide clarity to the bill’s language, passed.
The Democratic membership of the Education Committee also introduced an amendment to add a section to House Bill 2004 that would create a Governor’s Workforce Credential Award. This award would recognize public high school students at graduation who go above and beyond the requirements of their technical programs, and exceed the requirements of the state board.
This amendment was rescinded ultimately, due to the committee wanting to further develop the language of the bill before any further amendments go forth.
House Bill 2004 was laid over until next Wednesday when the House Committee on Education will meet again, and a subcommittee for House Bill 2004 was appointed. The meeting time for the subcommittee will be announced following tomorrow’s House Floor Session.
