House 4573

WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE

2026 REGULAR SESSION

Introduced

House Bill 4573

By Delegates Dittman, Pinson, Moore, Drennan, Foggin, Hott, Campbell, Toney, Ellington, and Statler

[Introduced January 20, 2026; referred to the Committee on Education]

A BILL to amend the code of Wes Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §18-5-55, relating to foster children; authorizing the development of a Foster Youth Resource Guide; and requiring the Department of Education provide information to foster children before graduating high school.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 5. COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION.

§18-5-55. Foster youth post-secondary transition support.

(a) The West Virginia Department of Education shall provide guidance or training to school counselors and graduation coaches regarding post-secondary education, workforce training, housing, and independent-living resources available to students with current or prior foster care experience.

(b) Each county board of education shall ensure that eligible students are provided prior to graduation, information concerning postsecondary education and training assistance, workforce development, housing, and aftercare services.

(c) The department shall develop and maintain a Foster Youth Resource Guide.

(d) Nothing in this section requires disclosure of a student’s foster care status.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to ensure West Virginia students with current or former foster care experience receive clear, consistent information about education, job training, housing, healthcare, and independent-living support before graduating high school.

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