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WV SB566
WV SB566Providing certified law-enforcement officers tuition-free education up to highest tuition rate for public higher education in WV
summary
Introduced
02/21/2025
02/21/2025
In Committee
03/05/2025
03/05/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/12/2025
04/12/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §15A-1-10, relating to providing that certified law-enforcement officers meeting certain requirements may be entitled to payment of tuition and fees; requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to prescribe eligibility criteria; making payment subject to appropriation; allowing payment for only one certificate, undergraduate degree, and master’s degree; allowing only two to be selected to receive payment for a doctorate degree; providing for the amount of payment at state supported school and private school; providing for reduction in payment in certain instances when recipient is eligible for other grants and scholarships; establishing service requirement for recipients; providing for recoupment of moneys paid when service requirement not fulfilled; requiring Secretary of Homeland Security to administer the tuition and fee payments and to propose rules for legislative approval to implement; and defining certified law-enforcement officer.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a tuition assistance program for certified law-enforcement officers in West Virginia, allowing them to receive tuition-free education at state-supported and private schools. Officers can receive payment for one certificate, undergraduate degree, and master's degree, with a limited opportunity for two officers annually to receive funding for a doctorate degree. The Secretary of Homeland Security will determine eligibility criteria and manage the program, ensuring that the tuition payments do not exceed the highest rate at state-supported schools. Recipients must serve at least one year in law enforcement for each year of paid tuition, with potential recoupment of funds if the service requirement is not met. The bill includes provisions to prevent over-funding by reducing grant amounts if the total grants and scholarships exceed actual tuition costs. A "certified law-enforcement officer" is defined as an officer certified by the Law-Enforcement Professional Standards Subcommittee, and the program is contingent upon legislative appropriations. This initiative aims to support and incentivize law enforcement education by removing financial barriers to advanced learning for officers in West Virginia.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Education
Sponsors (12)
Scott Fuller (R)*,
Vince Deeds (R),
Joseph Garcia (D),
Bill Hamilton (R),
Brian Helton (R),
Glenn Jeffries (R),
Mark Maynard (R),
Robert Morris (R),
Mike Oliverio (R),
Christopher Rose (R),
Ryan Weld (R),
Tom Willis (R),
Last Action
To Finance (on 03/05/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=566&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill |
| Fiscal Note - Homeland Security, Department of | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Fiscalnotes/FN(2)/fnsubmit_recordview1.cfm?RecordID=927304453 |
| Fiscal Note - Homeland Security, Department of | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Fiscalnotes/FN(2)/fnsubmit_recordview1.cfm?RecordID=927304453 |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=sb566%20sub1.htm&yr=2025&sesstype=RS&i=566 |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=sb566%20intr.htm&yr=2025&sesstype=RS&i=566 |
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