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West VirginiaHB 40052026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Skills to work

Sponsored By: Ryan Browning (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§18-2-7G§21-6-2

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More hands-on work for student trainees

Students in the Youth Apprenticeship Program may work on machinery tied to jobs that are not prohibited for minors. Students age 16 or older in a cooperative vocational program may do roofing work above ground to learn rooftop installation, wiring, or repair. This requires written parent or guardian consent, a written employment agreement, direct and close supervision, school safety instruction, and an organized, progressive work schedule. The Department of Education may allow other limited nonagricultural work exemptions. All exemptions must follow U.S. child labor rules, including Child Labor Bulletin 101.

Youth apprenticeships for high schoolers

The law creates a Youth Apprenticeship Program for 11th or 12th graders and students age 16 or older. Apprenticeships cannot include jobs the law bars for children under 16. The Department of Education sets standards, guides county boards, and can allow release time from school. Each apprenticeship must have a written plan, at least 135 classroom hours and 400 on-the-job hours, and a progressive wage schedule. The program covers fields like manufacturing, engineering technology, office technology, and health care. If your county board approves and it follows Division of Labor rules, you may earn high school credit or other credentials. Pilots run in 2024-2025, and all county school systems take part by 2025-2026. County boards must work with employers to promote and recruit students.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ryan Browning

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Bill Bell

    Republican • House

  • Mark Dean

    Republican • House

  • John Paul Hott

    Republican • House

  • Carl Martin

    Republican • House

  • David McCormick

    Republican • House

  • Jonathan Pinson

    Republican • House

  • David Elliott Pritt

    Republican • House

  • Jeffrey Stephens

    Republican • House

  • Gregory A. Watt

    Republican • House

  • Evan Worrell

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 202 • No: 13

House vote • 3/10/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 373)

Yes: 92 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 368)

Yes: 27 • No: 7

House vote • 1/27/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 16)

Yes: 83 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  4. House Message received

    3/11/2026Senate

  5. To Governor 3/11/2026

    3/11/2026House

  6. To Governor 3/11/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/11/2026Senate

  7. House received Senate message

    3/10/2026House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 373)

    3/10/2026House

  9. Communicated to Senate

    3/10/2026House

  10. Completed legislative action

    3/10/2026House

  11. On 3rd reading

    3/9/2026Senate

  12. Read 3rd time

    3/9/2026Senate

  13. Passed Senate (Roll No. 368)

    3/9/2026Senate

  14. Senate requests House to concur

    3/9/2026Senate

  15. On 2nd reading

    3/6/2026Senate

  16. Read 2nd time

    3/6/2026Senate

  17. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/6/2026Senate

  18. On 1st reading

    3/5/2026Senate

  19. Read 1st time

    3/5/2026Senate

  20. Reported do pass, with amendment

    3/4/2026Senate

  21. Introduced in Senate

    1/28/2026Senate

  22. To Government Organization

    1/28/2026Senate

  23. To Government Organization

    1/28/2026Senate

  24. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    1/27/2026House

  25. Read 3rd time

    1/27/2026House

Bill Text

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