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.

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

Passed Senate (Roll No. 49)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/6/2026

Effective July 1, 2026 (Roll No. 50)