Transcript Highlights:

• Um, because two of them are from Senator Houchins. Senate File 4229 and then Senate File 1117.
• Um, because two of them are from Senator Houchins. Senate File 4229 and then Senate File 1117.
• Senate File 4229 and then Senate File 1117.
• Senator<00:19:24.000> Green. Senator Green. Senator Green.
• c> Senate<00:53:24.520> file Next is Senator Housley Senate file Next is Senator Housley Senate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• "Senator Liur, Senator Lucero, Senator Marty, Senator Matthews, Senator Port." "Senator Port. No."
• Senator<00:57:21.440> Kuran. Senator Kuran. Senator Kuran.
• >> Thank you, Senator Senator Balden. >> Thank you, Senator Senator Balden.
• Bar and Senator exchange of Senator Bar and Senator Szinski.
• . >> Senator Limmer, no. >> Senator Lucero, no. >> Senator Marty, yes. >> Senator Mathews, no. >> Senator

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Senate Labor Committee. >> The Senate Labor Committee, uh, Senator Dibble. >> Thank you
• Senator<00:19:22.559> Papis. Senator Papis. Senator Papis.
• Thank you, Senator Murdy. Um, Senator Coop. Senator Coop: Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Thank you, Senator Murdy. Um, Senator Coop. Senator Coop: Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Um, Senator >> Thank you, Senator Murdy. Um, Senator Coop. Coop. Coop.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will come to order. Senator Murphy. >> Mr.
• <00:16:25.040> Senator presented by Senator Dibble? Senator presented by Senator Dibble?
• Uh, Senator Carson, vote I. >> Senator Carlson votes I. >> And Senator Umu Verbenum, vote I. >> Senator
• Senator Miller votes I. Senator Coleman votes I. Senator Heindman votes I. Senator Heman votes I.
• Senator Pratt votes I. Senator Weber votes I. Senator Dames votes I.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators. Senators.
• Senator Housley. Okay. I just have one.
• >> Yeah, Senator Housley. >> Yeah, Senator Housley.
• Senator Nelson. questions or comments? Senator Nelson.
• >> Uh, Senator Amanda.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:20:38.720> Rasmmanson. Senator Rasmmanson. Senator Rasmmanson.
• >> Senator<00:21:01.120> Man. >> Senator Man. >> Senator Man.
• Senator<00:57:36.079> Duckworth. Senator Duckworth. Senator Duckworth.
• put that on, Senator? put that on, Senator?
• Senator<01:02:30.079> Rasmmanson. Senator Rasmmanson. Senator Rasmmanson.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Barr. sessions. Okay, thank you. Senator Barr.
• Thank you, Senator. Thank you, members. Uh, next up, we have Senate File 1201, Senator Kunesh.
• Uh next is Senator uh Senator Johnson Stewart.
• Uh next up Senator<00:20:04.320> Swedzinski. Senator Swedzinski. Senator Swedzinski.
• Senator Cunesh. Thank you all Yeah. Yep. Senator Cunesh.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Baru. Senator Baru. >> Yes. Senator Beck. >> Yes. Senator Benson. >> Yes.
• Senator Bond. >> Yes. Senator Brennan. >> Yes. Senator Brock. >> Yes. Senator Kitten. >> Yes.
• Senator Coll. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Senator Cummings. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Senator Julie.
• >> Senator Hardy. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Senator Harrison. >> Senator Hashim.
• . >> Senator. >> Senator. >> Senator.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Deeds? No. Senator Deeds? No. Senator Fuller? No. Senator Fuller? Senator Garcia?
• Senator Rose? Senator Senator Maynard, nay. Senator Rose, nay. Senator Rucker, nay.
• Senator Deeds. Senator Fuller. Senator Deeds? Yeah. Senator Deeds. Yay. Senator Fuller.
• Senator Maynard. Senator Maynard. Senator Rose. Yes. Senator Rose. Yes. Senator Rucker.
• Senator Rose. Yay. Senator Rucker. Senator Rucker. Yay. Senator Tarr. Senator Tarr. Nay.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee considered several bills and amendments, beginning with House Bill 4995 on video cameras in special education classrooms. Counsel explained that the bill would require parents to be notified of recording interruptions, provide written notice of the camera law to parents and school employees, allow recordings to be used for discipline of school personnel, shorten required random review intervals from 90 days to 30 days, and clarify that local boards still must independently investigate abuse allegations. The committee then moved to report HB 4995 to the full Senate with a do pass recommendation, and the motion was adopted. House Bill 5214, dealing with child abuse and neglect cases, was amended to allow courts to require drug testing of parents in certain cases, require laboratory confirmation of positive results, require the department to pay testing costs, and notify the court and guardian ad litem of positive results. The committee adopted the amendment, reported the bill as amended, and adopted a title amendment. The committee also considered House Bill 4025 and House Bill 5441, both restructuring civil service and grievance procedures for certain state agencies. HB 4025 would exempt employees of Health, health facilities, and Human Services from classified civil service and grievance procedures beginning July 1, 2026, while HB 5441 would do the same for Transportation, Revenue, and the Bureau for Social Services and transfer personnel functions to the Division of Personnel. After discussion, the committee adopted the amendments and reported both bills as amended. For House Bill 4602, a revived child welfare privatization proposal, the committee heard testimony from the Bureau for Social Services about caseloads, provider access to the PATH system, oversight responsibilities, and concerns about costs and outcomes in other states. The chair amended the bill to remove one of the two pilot regions, leaving only the Berkeley/Jefferson County pilot. Despite opposition from the senator from Marion, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill as amended. House Bill 4106, which would remove the provisional concealed handgun license requirement for 18- to 20-year-olds, drew testimony from a pediatric physician opposing the change and from a gun rights advocate supporting it. An amendment requiring under-21 individuals to complete firearms training was offered but defeated by roll call vote, and the bill was then reported as amended. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 4198, an E-Verify bill. A subcommittee report and strike-and-insert amendment revised definitions, exemptions, notice requirements, record retention, and penalties, and the committee invoked the previous question to end debate. The strike-and-insert amendment was adopted, and HB 4198 was reported to the full Senate as amended. House Bill 5319 was removed from the agenda, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Deeds? No. Senator Fuller? No. Senator Fuller? Senator Garcia? Senator Garcia? Yea.
• Senator Hilton? No. Senator Hilton? Senator Maynard? Senator Maynard? Senator Rose? Senator...
• Senator Fuller. Yay. Senator Garcia. Senator Garcia? No. Senator Hilton? Senator Hilton. Yay.
• Senator Maynard. Senator Mayer. Senator Rose. Yes. Senator Rose. Yes. Senator Rucker. Senator Rose.
• Senator Rucker. Senator Rucker. Yay. Senator Tarr. Senator Tarr. Nay. Senator Taylor.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee considered and advanced several bills. House Bill 4995, concerning video cameras in special education classrooms, was explained as requiring parents to be notified of recording interruptions, providing written notice of the law to parents and school employees, shortening the required random review of recordings from every 90 days to every 30 days, and clarifying that school boards must still conduct independent investigations even if DHS or prosecutors do not act. The committee adopted the motion to report the bill to the full Senate. House Bill 5214, dealing with drug testing in child abuse and neglect cases, would allow courts to order testing of parents in certain cases, require laboratory confirmation of positives, and require DHS to notify the court and other parties; the committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, then reported the bill as amended and adopted a title amendment. The committee also advanced House Bill 4025 and House Bill 5441, both restructuring state personnel systems. HB 4025 would exempt employees of the Department of Health, health facilities, and human services from classified civil service and grievance procedures beginning July 1, 2026, while preserving status for some current employees and allowing exemptions to comply with federal requirements; the committee adopted a piecemeal amendment and reported it as amended. HB 5441 would eliminate separate civil service systems for Transportation, Revenue, and the Bureau for Social Services and move classifications and compensation structures to the Division of Personnel, with testimony from the governor’s counsel emphasizing faster hiring and more flexibility; the committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment and reported the bill as amended. House Bill 4602, a child welfare pilot program creating a private community-based system for post-removal services, drew testimony from DHS about concerns over costs, continuity, oversight, and child well-being outcomes, while supporters argued it could reduce caseloads and improve flexibility. The chair amended the bill to remove one of the two pilot regions, leaving only the Berkeley/Jefferson County pilot, and the committee then reported the bill as amended despite opposition from the senator from Marion. House Bill 4106, removing the provisional concealed handgun license requirement for ages 18 to 21, heard testimony from a pediatrician opposing the change and from a gun rights advocate supporting it; an amendment requiring firearms training for under-21 carriers failed by a 1-14 roll call, and the committee then reported the bill as amended. Finally, House Bill 4198, after a subcommittee rewrite, was advanced with a strike-and-insert amendment that refined E-Verify requirements for public and private employers, added exemptions for certain small or new employers and sole proprietors, clarified recordkeeping and notice requirements, and adjusted penalties and enforcement procedures. After a motion for the previous question, the committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 4198 as amended. House Bill 5319 was removed from the agenda, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator from Lewis. Senator from Raleigh. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator from Lewis. Senator from Raleigh. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator from Lewis moves that the Senate concur in the House amendment to Senate Bill 945.
• If not, the question for the Senate is on the Senate concurring in the House amendment to Senate Bill
• Senator from Lewis moves that the Senate concur in the House amendment to Senate Bill 1042.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate took up a long second-reading calendar of House bills, mostly advancing them to third reading after brief explanations of committee strike-and-insert amendments. Measures discussed included property transfer tax language for quick claim deeds, an FDA drug development trial grant program, aggravated vehicular homicide as a qualifying offense, 529 account definitions, Opportunity Zones, a barber apprentice program, municipal/county expenditures, criminal-record disqualification for professions, civil remedies for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images, online training for estate executors, contempt penalties, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, peer support services, the Youth Summer Employment and Career Readiness Program, cybersecurity program authority, and several others. Several amendments were adopted, including technical or clarifying changes and substantive revisions such as raising contempt fines, adjusting compact background-check language, and adding employer immunity for the youth employment program. The chamber also concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 945 on pay for Adjutant General employees during a federal shutdown or furlough and Senate Bill 1042 on underground mine ventilation standards. Both bills then passed 32-0, and SB 1042 was made effective from passage by a 32-0 vote. The Senate received and advanced several House-passed supplemental appropriations for Homeland Security, the Adjutant General, Health, the State Road Fund, and Tourism/Revenue. Committee reports moved a number of bills forward, including resolutions to study the eastern gray fox decline and an upland game bird stamp, utility regulation changes, civil service and personnel reform, constitutional carry for 18- to 20-year-olds, E-Verify safe harbor, special education classroom cameras, a camping ban on certain public property, child care, tax efficiency, DUI-causing-death penalties, food regulation, mine subsidence, Medicare supplement guaranteed issue rights, medical cannabis fund allocations, domestic violence prevention, EMS funding, virtual currency kiosk regulation, metallurgical coal tax reduction, foundation allowance changes, workers’ compensation updates, wellness reimbursement programs, education code cleanup, school choice scholarship participation, and virtual instruction for foster students in temporary placement. The Senate then adjourned until 11 a.m. the next day, with committee meeting announcements following.

Transcript Highlights:

• And call the Senate Finance Committee to order.
• Senator from Harrison. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Very briefly. Senator from Harrison. Thank you, Mr.
• I'm sorry, Senator. I got you, Senator. No, you didn't. Your light's on. Your microphone is on.
• Senator from— Senator? No, you didn't. Your light's on. Your microphone is on. It has been on.
• Thank you, Senator. Further discussion. Senator from Harrison. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then considered a series of House bills and committee substitutes. House Bill 5438, dealing with changes to Step 7 of the school aid formula and allowable uses of certain education allocations, was amended to adopt the Education Committee’s changes and then reported to the full Senate. House Bill 4087 creating the West Virginia-Ireland Education Alliance was also reported, as was House Bill 4191, which expands child care tax credit eligibility for employer-sponsored facilities and changes subsidy payments from attendance-based to enrollment-based reimbursement; senators emphasized its workforce and economic development benefits. House Bill 5074, which reallocates medical cannabis fund balances and future revenues, was amended to increase the Child Protective Commission pilot funding from $3 million to $5 million and remove proposed ibogaine research funding for Marshall and WVU before being reported. House Bill 5353, regulating virtual currency kiosks and money transmission licensure, and House Bill 5527, creating licensure and oversight for wellness reimbursement program administrators, both received strike-and-insert amendments and were reported. House Bill 5687, which phases down the metallurgical coal severance tax and adds a temporary oil and gas tax reduction with county/municipal revenue adjustments, was amended and reported. House Bill 4418, creating an electronic system for municipal business and occupation tax filing and collection with a 1% administrative fee and a participation threshold, was also reported. The committee then took up House Bill 4245, the Revenue Rules Bundle, which bundles 26 legislative rules from the Department of Revenue and related agencies. The bundle included alcohol, banking, insurance, racing, and tax rules, with several sunset extensions and repeals of outdated rules; the committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment affecting a lottery consumer protection rule and a pre-need cemetery company rule, then reported the bill. House Bill 5168, providing a $12 million lottery-funded stream for emergency medical services, was amended to clarify the uses of the funds, rename one fund, require a 30% county match for mental health treatment spending, and create two additional county-based EMS funds; senators described it as a needed permanent funding source for EMS, and it was reported. Throughout the meeting, members generally supported the measures, with some discussion on technical details, funding allocations, and the impact of the bills on local services and workforce needs. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that Senate House Bills 4004, 4006, and 4009 would not be taken up that day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, senior senator from the 13th.
• I'm sorry, Senator. I got you. Senator, no, you didn't. Your light's on. Your microphone is on.
• Thank you, Senator.
• Thank you, Senator. Further discussion. Senator from Harrison. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Yes, Senator.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present and first approved the minutes of the previous meeting. It then took up House Bill 5438, which revises parts of the school aid formula and limits certain uses of instructional program, technology, and induction funds; the committee adopted an Education Committee amendment and reported the bill to the full Senate. The committee also reported House Bill 4087, creating the West Virginia-Ireland Education Alliance for higher education partnerships and grants, after brief explanation and no opposition. Members then considered House Bill 4191, which expands the child care tax credit to employer-sponsored child care facilities and changes subsidy payments from attendance-based to enrollment-based, with electronic filing requirements by 2026. Senators spoke in strong support, describing it as a workforce and economic development measure, and the bill was reported. House Bill 5074, which redirects medical cannabis fund balances and future revenues to general revenue and several specified purposes including the Supreme Court, universities, law enforcement, and health programs, was amended to increase the court allocation and remove the direct university research earmarks; it was reported over concerns that accumulated fund money would be diverted to general revenue. The committee also advanced House Bill 5353, bringing virtual currency kiosks under money transmission licensure and adding consumer disclosures, transaction limits, support requirements, and anti-fraud protections; a strike-and-insert amendment clarified kiosk rules and added law-enforcement contact requirements. House Bill 5527, regulating licensure of wellness reimbursement program administrators and related broker duties, was amended to clarify the definition and protect proprietary licensing information from public disclosure, then reported. House Bill 5687, as amended, phases down the metallurgical coal severance tax and incorporates a separate oil-and-gas tax reduction for new wells while adjusting county and municipal distributions, and it was reported. The committee also approved a large revenue rules bundle, House Bill 4245, with amendments to a lottery rule and a pre-need burial company rule, and reported House Bill 4418 to create an electronic municipal B&O tax filing system once enough municipalities participate. Finally, the committee reported House Bill 5168, which creates a permanent $12 million lottery-funded EMS support structure, including mental health treatment funding, county EMS funds, and an all-county EMS fund; members emphasized the need for stable EMS funding, especially in rural areas, and clarified how counties with and without levies would benefit. The committee then announced several Senate bills would not be taken up that day and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Deeds? No. Senator Deeds? Senator Fuller? Senator Fuller? Senator Garcia?
• Senator Martin, nay. Senator Maynard, yes. Senator Maynard, yay. Senator Rose, nay. Senator Rose.
• Senator Rose, nay. Senator Rucker, nay. Senator Tarr, yea. Senator Taylor, nay.
• Senator Rose, Senator Rose, nay, Senator Rucker, Senator Rucker, nay, Senator Tarr, Senator Tarr, yea
• , Senator Taylor, Senator Taylor, nay, Senator Taylor, nay, Senator Weld, Senator Weld, yeah, Senator

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the previous meeting, then took up House Bill 4852, a strike-and-insert bill revising West Virginia’s food additive restrictions. Counsel explained that the bill keeps the existing list of additives, adds exceptions for dietary supplements, alcoholic liquor, non-intoxicating beer, pre-existing inventory, and small-volume sellers, and is intended to address a federal court injunction by clarifying the law. Testimony was split: the National Confectioners Association opposed the bill and urged deference to FDA action and federal uniformity, while the Environmental Working Group supported it as a clarification that preserves the state’s 2024 law and public-health goals. Members debated whether West Virginia should wait for FDA action, whether the state was overreaching, and which industries would be affected, including soda, confectionery, and popsicle manufacturers. Several amendments were offered—one to make the ban contingent on FDA findings, one to sunset the law when federal rules are adopted, and others to exempt soda, pepperoni rolls, popsicles, and snack foods—but those industry-specific or FDA-trigger amendments failed except for the soda, popsicle, and related carve-outs that were adopted. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment and reported HB 4852 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass. The committee next considered House Bill 5484, which creates felony offenses for interfering with a person’s right to medical treatment or forensic care related to a sexual offense, or for forcing or coercing a victim of a sexual offense resulting in pregnancy to have an illegal abortion, with a conspiracy provision and five-to-15-year penalties. Members raised concerns that the conspiracy language could be read to implicate the victim herself; the bill sponsor said that was not the intent and explained the bill was aimed at traffickers and abusers who keep victims from medical care. An amendment was adopted clarifying that nothing in the subsection imposes criminal liability on the victim of the sexual offense. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, reported HB 5484 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass, and adopted a title amendment. Finally, the committee began House Bill 4468, which narrows confidentiality rules for criminal complaints involving sexual offenses, human trafficking, and related crimes by requiring redaction of victims’ names and addresses, allowing waiver in writing, and permitting disclosure to other governmental entities under confidentiality rules. It also allows victims to request redaction of their addresses from appellate decisions after July 1, 2026, and directs the Supreme Court to promulgate implementing rules. Early discussion focused on whether the bill simplifies access to records and whether it represents a rollback of victim protections, but no final action on HB 4468 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator. The Chair, recognizes the Senator from Wood. Thank you, Senator.
• Senator Azinger, nay. Senator Bartlett, nay. Senator Charnock, no. Senator Deeds, nay.
• Senator Fuller? Senator Fuller, nay. Senator Garcia, yea. Senator Hilton, nay. Senator Martin, nay.
• Senator Maynard, yes. Senator Rose, nay. Senator Rose, nay. Senator Rucker, nay. Senator Tarr, yea.
• Senator Taylor, nay. Senator Weld, yea. Senator Willis, Mr. Chairman. Four in favor, 11 opposed.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up House Bill 4852, a strike-and-insert bill revising West Virginia’s food additive restrictions. Counsel explained that it moved the existing additive list into a new code section, kept the 2028 effective date, added exceptions for dietary supplements, alcoholic liquor, non-intoxicating beer, and small sellers under $5,000 per month, and created civil penalties for knowing violations. Testimony split between industry witnesses, who argued the bill and last year’s law would raise costs, burden interstate commerce, and conflict with federal regulation, and advocates who said the law is already prompting companies to reformulate and that the bill clarifies vague language tied to a federal injunction. Several amendments were offered to tie the law to FDA action or exempt soda, pepperoni rolls, frozen confections, and snack foods; some were adopted and others failed. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment as amended and reported HB 4852 to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation. The committee next considered House Bill 5484, which creates felony offenses for interfering with a victim’s access to medical treatment or forensic care related to a sexual offense, or for forcing a victim of a sexual offense who becomes pregnant to have an illegal abortion, along with a conspiracy offense. Counsel said the strike-and-insert added clarifying language and definitions. Members raised concerns that the conspiracy language could be read to include the victim herself, and the bill sponsor said the intent was to target traffickers and abusers who keep victims from medical care and force abortions outside medical facilities. An amendment was adopted clarifying that nothing in the subsection imposes criminal liability on the victim of the sexual offense. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, reported HB 5484 to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation, and adopted a title amendment. The final bill discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 4468, which narrows confidentiality protections for victims in criminal complaints by limiting redaction to names and addresses, while still allowing disclosure to other governmental entities and permitting victims to request redaction of addresses from appellate decisions after July 1, 2026. Counsel said the bill would replace broader existing confidentiality language and remove provisions allowing disclosure upon a showing of justice or by subpoena. Members questioned whether the change would weaken victim privacy protections, noting that identifying information can include much more than names and addresses. The committee then began hearing testimony from a county prosecutor on the bill, but the excerpt ends before any vote or final action on HB 4468.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The transcript contains only repeated expressions of thanks and does not include any substantive legislative discussion, bill references, testimony, motions, votes, or other actions. No committee or floor business can be identified from the provided text.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The transcript contains only repeated expressions of thanks and does not include any substantive legislative discussion, testimony, bills, motions, or votes. No committee or floor actions can be identified from the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Chair and senators. This bill is going to look very familiar.
• With this amendment, it's going to be the same as Senate Bill 644, which passed through this committee
• House Bill 4588 be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended.
• I move that House Bill 5048 be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation I move that House Bill
• 5048 be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation and it do pass as amended.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Select Committee on School Choice met, established quorum, and approved the minutes from its February 25, 2026 meeting. The committee then took up House Bill 4588, which was described as aligning with Senate Bill 644 and directing the Secretary of Commerce to participate in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program under the cited federal laws. Counsel said the change would place administration under Commerce rather than the Economic Development Authority to allow for more even distribution. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported HB 4588 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee next considered House Bill 5048, which would create a new code section to ensure foster students in temporary placement facilities receive virtual instruction until placed in a permanent home. The bill and committee amendment would require use of a virtual charter school if a county lacks a virtual program, provide free Department of Education training for foster parents and students, and ensure information follows the student to the new school district and foster family. Members noted the House had been consulted on the amended language. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 5048 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. With no further business, the chair thanked members and staff for their work during the session. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In lieu of having a read, thank you, Madam Chair and senators.
• With this amendment, it's going to be the same as Senate Bill 644, which passed through this committee
• that House Bill 4588 be reported Madam Chair, I move that House Bill 4588 be reported to the full Senate
• I move that House Bill 5048 be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation If not, the question
• 5048 be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Select Committee on School Choice met, established quorum, and approved the minutes from its February 25, 2026 meeting. The committee then took up House Bill 4588, which was explained as a measure to align with Senate Bill 644 and require the Secretary of Commerce to participate in the federal tax credit scholarship program under Public Law No. 119-20 and 119-21, with the change intended to place administration under Commerce rather than the Economic Development Authority. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 4588 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee next considered House Bill 5048, which would create new code to ensure foster students in temporary placement facilities receive virtual instruction until placed in a permanent home. Counsel explained that if a county lacks a virtual program, a virtual charter school could be used, and the West Virginia Department of Education would provide free training for those responsible for the child, along with a plan to transfer information to the new school district and foster family. The committee adopted the proposed amendment, noting it had been worked out with the House, and then reported HB 5048 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked the committee and staff for their work during the session. The committee then adjourned by motion and unanimous voice vote.