Bill > HB3195

This bill modifies the composition and membership of the West Virginia Hope Scholarship Board by making several key changes. Currently composed of nine members, the board will now include several state officials like the State Treasurer (who serves as chairman), State Auditor, State Attorney General, State Superintendent of Schools, and the Chancellor of Higher Education, with the Attorney General, Superintendent, and Chancellor now designated as nonvoting members. The bill also adjusts the requirements for the three parent members appointed by the Governor, removing language about initial appointments for parents who intend to apply for scholarships and instead specifying that for appointments after July 1, 2024, parent members must represent parents of students engaged in diverse educational options like microschools. The parent members must be state residents, reside in geographically diverse areas, and will serve staggered three-year terms. Board members will continue to serve without compensation but can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses at the same rate as state employees. The bill maintains existing provisions about quorum, ethical standards, and filling vacancies, ensuring the board's continued effective governance of the Hope Scholarship Program.