West VirginiaHB 53542026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to authorizing legislative rules regarding higher education

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

13 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 2 costs, 5 mixed.

Dual enrollment pilot for high schoolers

The law creates dual enrollment pilot programs. Eligible high school students can take college classes and earn credit early. This can save time and money toward a degree. The law does not list eligibility details or program size here.

Grants for job training programs

The law authorizes Workforce Development Initiative grants. People in approved training programs may get help paying for training. Employers and colleges can partner to expand local training. The law does not list grant amounts or who qualifies here.

Loan help for teachers and mental health

The law authorizes state loan repayment for eligible teaching scholars and teacher education graduates. It also authorizes a loan repayment program for eligible mental health professionals. These programs help pay down student loans. The law does not state repayment amounts here.

More state scholarships and grants

The law authorizes several aid programs that help pay for college. These include the PROMISE scholarship, the West Virginia Higher Education Grant, adult part‑time student grants, STEM scholarships, nursing scholarships, and the West Virginia Invests grant. These programs lower what students and families pay. The law does not set award amounts in this text.

Updated rules for apprenticeship degrees

The law updates the Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Nontraditional Degree (STAND) program rules. Apprentices can earn nontraditional degrees with clearer program standards. This can make career pathways easier to follow. No award limits or funding amounts are listed here.

AP exam credit rule repealed

State rules that guided how AP exam scores count for college credit are repealed for both four‑year and community and technical colleges. Colleges may change whether and how AP credit applies. This can mean fewer credits granted and higher tuition and time to degree for some students.

New rules on tuition and fees

Colleges must follow state rules when setting or changing tuition and fees. The rules cover how rates are proposed, approved, and reported. This can raise or lower what students pay depending on each college’s decisions. The law does not set dollar amounts or caps here.

Performance funding and accountability for colleges

The law lets the state fund colleges based on performance measures. It also sets new accountability systems for colleges and repeals older accountability rules. Funding and oversight may shift across campuses. Students may see program or service changes, but no dollar amounts or metrics appear here.

College building and energy project rules

The law sets how colleges plan and manage building projects. It also allows a revolving loan fund for campus energy and water‑saving projects. These steps aim to improve oversight and lower operating costs over time. No project or loan amounts are listed here.

Citizenship rule for medical student loans

To get the state medical student loan, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal immigrant who is actively pursuing U.S. citizenship. Students who are not citizens and not pursuing citizenship are not eligible. The law does not list loan amounts here.

Administrative rule changes and repeals

The law repeals purchasing‑efficiency rules for higher education and a research trust fund rule. It also updates the administrative exemption standards. Institutions may see different compliance steps, but the law lists no savings or costs here.

Rules for hiring college presidents

Governing boards must follow state standards when hiring and evaluating college presidents. The law also sets human resources rules for Council staff and related institutions. These changes affect governance and personnel practices, not student bills.

Rules to open and renew colleges

The law sets standards to open degree‑granting schools and to renew them each year. It also keeps due‑process protections for proprietary schools during reauthorization. Business, occupational, and trade schools must follow state standards. These steps shape which schools can operate but do not set fees or funding here.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Joe Statler
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Christopher W. Toney
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 256 • No: 4

House vote • 3/13/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 503)

Yes: 94 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 468)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 469)