Four bills were passed out of the Senate education committee following consideration in Tuesday’s meeting.
Of the legislation on the agenda, House Bill 2004, which would provide for a program of instruction in workforce preparedness, was the only piece of legislation to result in extensive debate. If passed, the bill would require for the state’s higher education organizations to aid in creating more opportunities for high school students to have access to college credit.
A large portion of the discussion surrounded around the state’s community and technical college’ use of the proposed bill, ultimately resulting in Sarah Tucker, chancellor of the West Virginia Community and Technical Education System, coming before the committee to answer member’s questions.
Following discussion of the bill, Sen. Mike Romano, D-Harrison, moved to amend the legislation to include language that would ensure high school students to be included in graduation ceremonies while also enrolled in technical career programs.
After discussion of the amendment, members moved to adopt Romano’s amendment and motioned to report the bill to the full Senate. Prior to consideration of 2004, the committee also reported House Bills 2378, 2662, 2422 and 2541.
- House Bill 2662 relates to certificates or employment of school personnel
- House Bill 2422 relates to the time for the observation of Celebrate Freedom Week
The committee also motioned to send a higher education study resolution to the Senate but was unable to review the two remaining resolutions on their agenda.
