House 2855

WEST virginia legislature

2025 regular session

Introduced

House Bill 2855

By Delegates Statler, Ellington, and Toney

[Introduced February 24, 2025; referred to the Committee on Education]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §18B-4-11, relating to providing a definition to comply with the federal definition of a "first generation" status for college admission.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 4. general administration.

§18B-4-11. Creating definition of first-generation status for college admission.

(a) Legislative findings. – The Legislature finds that college degrees and certifications at all levels are valuable to the state's economy and to the individuals involved. Importantly, a federal definition of first-generation status may qualify individuals for benefits, support services, scholarships, and educational stipends. For this reason, the statewide definition of first-generation status should align with federal definitions. This section shall require the collection of "First Generation Status" for purposes of college admission consideration.

(b) Definition. – An applicant for college shall be classified as "first generation" status when that applicant is a person where no custodial parent has completed a bachelor's degree in the United States.

(c) Additional demographic information – In addition to the definition set forth in subsection (b) of this section, the following levels shall be considered:

(1) Level 1: Custodial parents attended some college but did not complete a bachelor's degree.

(2) Level 2: Siblings attended college or completed a bachelor's degree; custodial parents did not.

(3) Level 3: Extended family (grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins) attended college or completed a bachelor's degree; custodial parents or siblings did not.

(4) Level 4: No one in immediate or extended family attended or completed college.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to provide a definition to comply with the federal definition of a "first generation" status for college admission.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.