Bill

Bill > HB5606


WV HB5606

WV HB5606
Establishing the “Stay in State” tax credit


summary

Introduced
02/16/2026
In Committee
02/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The purpose of this bill is to establish the "Stay in State Tax Credit" that allows residents of this state who remain in state after graduating with an undergraduate or associate degree from a state institution to be granted a tax credit for the total cost of tuition and interest for student loans used to obtain their degree. The bill provides this tax credit against personal income tax in West Virginia and is awarded over a 10-year period. The bill provides that employers are also allowed to claim the credit for employees that qualify for the credit. The bill provides that in-state high schools, colleges, and universities are required to inform and assist students with obtaining the tax credit.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the "Stay in State Tax Credit" to incentivize West Virginia residents who graduate from in-state higher education institutions with an undergraduate or associate degree to remain in the state. The credit, applied against personal income tax, covers the total cost of tuition and interest on student loans used for their degree, awarded over a 10-year period. Employers can also claim this credit for qualifying employees, and in-state high schools, colleges, and universities are mandated to inform and assist students in obtaining this tax credit. The bill defines key terms such as "Accredited non-West Virginia community college, college, or university" and "Accredited West Virginia community college, college, or university" to ensure clarity on eligible institutions, and outlines specific calculations for the credit, including provisions for transferred students and a refundable credit for degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

To House Education (on 02/16/2026)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...