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West VirginiaSB 4902026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Approving short-term training programs for eligibility for federal Workforce Pell Grants

Sponsored By: Patricia Rucker (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§5B-2B-4§5B-12-1§5B-12-2§5B-12-3§5B-12-4§5B-12-5§5B-12-6

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Pell Grants for short job training

Beginning July 1, 2026, West Virginia approves short job training programs for federal Workforce Pell Grants. The Governor, with the Workforce Board, can approve programs at Pell-eligible schools that last 8 to under 15 weeks and 150 to under 600 hours. Programs must match high-skill, high-wage (median pay above 150% of the federal poverty level), or in-demand jobs, and meet employer hiring needs. They must lead to a recognized, stackable credential or the single required credential for that job. Credits must transfer into related certificates or degrees. If your program is approved, you can use federal Workforce Pell Grant aid to help pay costs.

Stronger oversight of short training programs

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Workforce Development Board sets the application and approval process for short training programs. Schools with students using Workforce Pell Grants must file yearly reports on completion, job placement, and earnings. The Board reviews each approved program every year and coordinates with other workforce programs to keep training tied to real jobs. Workforce West Virginia and the Board also must write rules and send them to the Legislature for approval. This adds paperwork for schools but improves oversight and student protection.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Patricia Rucker

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • T. Kevan Bartlett

    Republican • Senate

  • Rollan A. Roberts

    Republican • Senate

  • Chris Rose

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 258 • No: 0

House vote • 3/13/2026

Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 423)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 422)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/6/2026

Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 50)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/6/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 49)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026Senate

  2. To Governor 3/18/2026

    3/18/2026Senate

  3. To Governor 3/18/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  4. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  5. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  6. Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 423)

    3/13/2026House

  7. Communicated to Senate

    3/13/2026House

  8. Completed legislative action

    3/13/2026House

  9. House Message received

    3/13/2026Senate

  10. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/12/2026House

  11. Read 3rd time

    3/12/2026House

  12. Passed House (Roll No. 422)

    3/12/2026House

  13. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/11/2026House

  14. Read 2nd time

    3/11/2026House

  15. Do pass

    3/10/2026House

  16. Immediate consideration

    3/10/2026House

  17. Read 1st time

    3/10/2026House

  18. To Government Organization

    2/10/2026House

  19. House received Senate message

    2/9/2026House

  20. Introduced in House

    2/9/2026House

  21. To House Government Organization

    2/9/2026House

  22. On 3rd reading

    2/6/2026Senate

  23. Read 3rd time

    2/6/2026Senate

  24. Passed Senate (Roll No. 49)

    2/6/2026Senate

  25. Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 50)

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

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