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Bill > SB755
WV SB755
WV SB755Establishing WV Secondary School Athletic Trainer and Career Technical Education Program Act
summary
Introduced
03/14/2025
03/14/2025
In Committee
03/24/2025
03/24/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/12/2025
04/12/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A BILL to amend of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §18-14-1, §18-14-2, §18-14-3, §18-14-4, §18-14-5, §18-14-6, and §18-14-7, relating to the creation of the West Virginia Public Secondary School Athletic Trainer and Career Technical Education Program Act; providing for findings, purpose, and intent; providing for establishment of the five-year program for the placement of licensed athletic trainers in all public secondary schools by having the athletic trainer on staff or contracted through the county board; requiring annual appropriation to fund the program; providing for expansion of the current career and technical education sports medicine programs; requiring alignment with accreditation and certification standards necessary for students to continue their education in athletic training or related health care fields at institutions of higher education; requiring West Virginia Board of Education rule to implement; requiring program development and maintenance in compliance with West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission rules; requiring commission to provide certain guidance; allowing state to use the West Virginia Underwood-Smith Loan Repayment Program to provide student loan payments to certain individuals; and providing for a timeline of implementation.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the West Virginia Public Secondary School Athletic Trainer and Career Technical Education Program Act, which aims to place licensed athletic trainers in all public secondary schools by July 1, 2031, through a five-year implementation plan. The legislation recognizes the importance of athletic trainers in ensuring student-athlete safety and health, and seeks to expand career and technical education (CTE) sports medicine programs statewide. The bill requires the West Virginia Board of Education to collaborate with the Board of Physical Therapy to develop a program that will either staff athletic trainers directly in schools or contract them through county boards. To support this initiative, the state will provide annual appropriations, and schools will expand sports medicine programs through methods like student transportation, traveling instructors, or other efficient approaches. The programs must align with higher education certification standards, and the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission will provide guidance on implementation. To address potential workforce shortages, the state may offer loan repayment incentives through the Underwood-Smith Loan Repayment Program for individuals who work as both teachers and athletic trainers in public secondary schools. The program will begin on July 1, 2026, with a phased approach to ensure complete implementation by July 1, 2031.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Education
Sponsors (6)
Scott Fuller (R)*,
Vince Deeds (R),
Bill Hamilton (R),
Brian Helton (R),
Robert Morris (R),
Mike Woelfel (D),
Last Action
Senate Finance Committee Meeting (15:00:00 3/31/2025 Room 451-M) (on 03/31/2025)
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