West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SB 155

Introduced
1/14/26  
Refer
1/14/26  
Report Pass
1/30/26  
Engrossed
2/4/26  
Refer
2/5/26  
Refer
2/5/26  
Enrolled
3/14/26  

Caption

Relating to adjunct teaching permits

Summary

SB 155 relates to adjunct teaching permits in West Virginia. Based on the bill caption and enactment history, the measure appears to revise the rules governing when and how adjunct teaching permits may be issued, renewed, or used in public schools, likely to address staffing needs by allowing qualified individuals to teach on a limited or temporary basis. The bill was enacted and became effective ninety days from passage on June 12, 2026. Its practical effect is to amend state education law governing teacher licensure and alternative authorization pathways, affecting county school systems, the state education agency, and individuals seeking to serve as adjunct teachers. It likely provides school districts with additional flexibility to fill instructional vacancies or specialized teaching roles while maintaining a permit-based framework rather than a full teaching certificate.

Impact

SB 155 changes West Virginia law governing adjunct teaching permits, which are a form of limited authorization to teach without a standard full teaching certificate. The bill likely affects the State Board of Education’s permitting authority, local school districts’ hiring options, and prospective adjunct teachers who may qualify under revised standards or procedures. Because it became effective after passage, the changes are now part of the state’s education code and apply to permit administration going forward.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have enjoyed broad bipartisan support. It passed the Senate unanimously, passed the House with only a small number of dissenting votes, and then cleared both chambers again after amendments with overwhelming majorities. That voting pattern suggests general agreement that the measure was a practical education staffing or licensure adjustment rather than a controversial policy change.

Contention

There is little evidence of major controversy in the available record. The only notable points of contention are the small number of negative votes in the House, which may indicate concern from a limited number of members about the scope of adjunct teaching authority, licensure standards, or the use of nontraditional instructors in classrooms. No committee testimony or detailed floor debate was provided, so the specific objections cannot be identified from the available materials.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV SB911

Relating to adjunct teaching permits

WV SB180

Relating to teaching and instructing world languages in public schools

WV HB2392

Relating to broadband permitting applications

WV HB3125

To remove restrictions from teachers receiving permanent teaching licenses

WV SB197

Limiting requirements for issuance of professional teaching certificate

WV SB277

Prohibiting teaching of divisive acts and critical race theory in public schools

WV HB3208

To modify the required amount of contracted teaching days and provide for breaks per semester for teachers.

WV SB427

Permitting certain teenagers to work without obtaining work permit

WV HB2836

Relating to wild animal rehabilitation permits

WV HB2823

Permitting anyone over 65 to vote absentee

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.