Bill > HB4368

This bill aims to improve educational access and support for "military-connected students," defined as children of current, reserve, or former members of any branch of the U.S. armed forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, or children of those killed in the line of duty. It allows these students to enroll in West Virginia public schools preliminarily through remote registration, even before physically moving to the state, provided their parent or guardian has military orders for relocation to West Virginia. The bill ensures military-connected students have equal access to all academic, extracurricular, athletic, and social programs, and mandates that local education agencies promptly coordinate with previous schools to ensure continuity of special education services for transferring students with disabilities. Furthermore, it establishes support mechanisms for students whose parents are called to active duty, including access to counseling and information on available resources, and requires local education agencies to notify teachers of military-connected student enrollment to facilitate academic monitoring and support, though parents can opt out of this notification. The bill also grants military-connected students preference in open enrollment policies, allowing them to attend schools outside their immediate residential zone, and clarifies that they have the same rights as active-duty military children under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children when their National Guard or Reserve parent's duties require relocation. Finally, it allows these students to remain at their chosen school until they complete the highest grade offered there, ensuring educational stability.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4368&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill