Bill > HB5669

This bill, known as Raylee's Law, aims to protect children by adding a new section to West Virginia law concerning educational placements during child abuse and neglect investigations. Specifically, it prohibits a county school board from allowing a child who is already enrolled in a public school to be homeschooled if there is an ongoing child abuse or neglect investigation involving a parent, guardian, or the person providing home instruction, especially when the report originates from school personnel. The bill mandates that the county superintendent must create a policy, in collaboration with the state board of education, to ensure they are notified when school staff report suspected abuse or neglect. Upon receiving such a report, the superintendent will request confirmation of the investigation's status from the Department of Human Services, which must respond within 48 hours. If the investigation is not substantiated within seven days of its initiation, and no other eligibility issues prevent it, the superintendent will then permit home instruction.