Bill > HB4449

This bill allows teachers to request the installation of video cameras or audio recording devices in classrooms, with the school principal having full discretion to approve or deny these requests. The bill defines an "incident" as a raised suspicion of bullying, abuse, neglect, or harm to a student or school employee by another student or a school staff member or volunteer. Cameras must be able to monitor all areas of a self-contained classroom, including attached rooms, and record audio, but should not monitor restrooms or changing areas except incidentally due to room layout. Recordings are not required when students are absent. The principal or a designee will be the custodian of recordings, and any interruptions in recording must be documented. Recordings must be retained for at least three months, or longer if an investigation or legal proceeding is ongoing, and schools must provide written notice to parents and staff before installing cameras, detailing the purpose, retention period, access, and how to access recordings. The bill clarifies that it does not waive school immunity, create new liabilities, or require principals to review recordings unless requested or an incident is suspected, and it does not affect other existing laws. Recordings cannot be used for teacher evaluations or for any purpose other than promoting student health, well-being, and safety. Recordings are confidential and generally only accessible to school administration, but can be reviewed by employees involved in an alleged incident, parents of students involved in an alleged incident, law enforcement, or legal entities involved in investigations or legal proceedings, with specific confidentiality requirements for law enforcement. If an incident requiring a report is discovered during a review, it must be reported within 24 hours. The bill also outlines procedures for concealing student identities in recordings and protecting student record confidentiality, and allows for appeals to the State Board of Education regarding violations of the section, with a provision for accepting gifts to fund equipment and for the state board to create rules to implement the section.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4449&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill