Bill > SB232

This bill, known as the "West Virginia Public Secondary School Athletic Trainer and Career Technical Education Program Act," establishes a five-year initiative to ensure every public secondary school in West Virginia has a licensed athletic trainer, either on staff or contracted through the county board, by July 1, 2032. The program aims to improve student-athlete safety and well-being by providing access to injury prevention, medical attention, and emergency care. It also mandates the expansion of current career and technical education (CTE) sports medicine programs to make them accessible to all high school students, ensuring these programs meet standards for further education in athletic training or related health fields. The bill requires annual appropriations to fund these efforts, including support for CTE program expansion and the recruitment and retention of athletic trainers, and allows for supplemental appropriations if needed. Furthermore, it directs the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) to provide guidance for the program's implementation and adherence to best practices. To address potential workforce shortages, the state may utilize the West Virginia Underwood-Smith Loan Repayment Program to offer student loan assistance to individuals who commit to working as both a teacher and a licensed athletic trainer in a public secondary school. The West Virginia Board of Education will be responsible for creating rules to implement the act, and the program's development must comply with WVSSAC regulations.

Budget and Finance, Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=232&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill