Bill > HB2058

This bill establishes comprehensive support and rights for military-connected students in West Virginia's education system. The bill first defines a "military-connected student" as an unemancipated person whose parent or guardian is a current, reserve, or former member of various military branches, including the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, and National Guard. The legislation provides several key provisions to support these students: it allows military-connected students to enroll remotely when their parents are being transferred to a military installation in the state, permits them to use various addresses for registration, and ensures they have equitable access to academic courses, extracurricular activities, and athletic programs. The bill also requires local education agencies to promptly coordinate special education services for transferring military children with disabilities, and mandates that schools provide additional support when a parent is called to active duty, including access to counseling services and information about military support resources. Additionally, teachers will be notified of military-connected students' enrollment to help monitor their academic engagement, and the bill ensures placement stability, allowing students to remain in a school until they complete the highest grade level. The legislation aims to provide comprehensive educational support and stability for children of military families during potentially challenging transitions.