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West VirginiaHB 54802026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to establishing the West Virginia Youth Summer Employment and Career Readiness Program.

Sponsored By: Sean Hornbuckle (Democratic)

Became Law

§5B-2P-1§5B-2P-2§5B-2P-3§5B-2P-4§5B-2P-5§5B-2P-6§5B-2P-7§5B-2P-8§5B-2P-9§5B-2P-10

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Funding and early spending for program

The law creates the West Virginia Youth Summer Employment and Career Readiness Fund, managed by the Secretary of Commerce. It holds state appropriations, grants, and donations, and money is normally spent only through legislative appropriations under state treasury rules. For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027, the department can spend collected fund money without a prior appropriation to launch and run the program. The department may also seek federal, public, nonprofit, or private grants and, when a grant requires it, target those funds to a priority youth group.

Paid summer work for ages 14-20

Beginning June 12, 2026, West Virginia offers paid summer jobs and career training for youth ages 14–20. The Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Development runs the program and must give equal access to all eligible youth. Placements reach all regions and focus on apprenticeships, internships, and paid work in high‑demand and emerging fields. Employers must pay at least the state minimum wage.

Grants and rules for employer partners

Employers can apply for state grants to hire youth and cover wages, supervision, training, transportation, equipment, and related admin costs. The department will set minimum matching rules, allow in‑kind matches, and may reduce or waive matches for small employers and nonprofits. Employers may not replace current workers or cut their pay or hours because of the program. Employers and their staff are immune from civil, criminal, or administrative liability for hiring under‑18 youth through the program when they act in good faith and follow the rules; this does not cover malicious acts. The Department of Commerce may issue regular and emergency rules to run the program.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Sean Hornbuckle

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Vernon Criss

    Republican • House

  • Shawn Fluharty

    Democratic • House

  • Rick Garcia

    Democratic • House

  • Anitra Hamilton

    Democratic • House

  • Evan Hansen

    Democratic • House

  • Roger Hanshaw

    Republican • House

  • Hollis Lewis

    Democratic • House

  • Clay Riley

    Republican • House

  • Matthew Rohrbach

    Republican • House

  • John Williams

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 218 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 661)

Yes: 97 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 511)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 322)

Yes: 87 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 142, Acts, Regular Session, 2026

    6/29/2026House

  2. Became law 4/2/2026

    4/2/2026House

  3. To Governor 3/25/26

    3/25/2026House

  4. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  5. House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 661)

    3/14/2026House

  6. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  7. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026House

  8. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. To Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. Became law without Governor's signature - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  11. Became law without Governor's signature- House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  12. On 3rd reading

    3/12/2026Senate

  13. Read 3rd time

    3/12/2026Senate

  14. Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 511)

    3/12/2026Senate

  15. Senate requests House to concur

    3/12/2026Senate

  16. On 2nd reading

    3/11/2026Senate

  17. Read 2nd time

    3/11/2026Senate

  18. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/11/2026Senate

  19. Reported do pass, with amendment and title amendment

    3/10/2026Senate

  20. Immediate consideration

    3/10/2026Senate

  21. Read 1st time

    3/10/2026Senate

  22. Introduced in Senate

    3/5/2026Senate

  23. To Workforce

    3/5/2026Senate

  24. To Workforce

    3/5/2026Senate

  25. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/4/2026House

Bill Text

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