Senate 1003

WEST virginia legislature

2026 regular session

Committee Substitute

for

Senate Bill 1003

By Senator Helton

[Reported February 24, 2026, from the Committee on Health and Human Resources]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §9-11-1, §9-11-2, and §9-11-3, relating to creating regional pediatric mental health hubs; providing for immediate behavioral coaching for parents of children under the age of 12; and providing for funding of these services.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

Article 11. Parental Support & Pediatric Access.

§9-11-1. The "Home-First" Mandate.

It is the policy of this state that no child under the age of 12 should be removed from their home for mental health reasons solely because community-based resources were unavailable. The state shall prioritize funding for in-home clinical support.

§9-11-2. Regional Pediatric Resource Hubs.

The Secretary of Human Services shall establish three regional pediatric mental health hubs (Northern, Southern, and Central). Each hub shall:

(1) Maintain a real-time directory for services in their area;

(2) Maintain a live map of every available pediatric counselor and their current wait time for services in their area;

(3) Provide bridge coaching to the parent that shall include providing the parent with a behavioral health coach within 48 hours of first contact to help manage the crisis at home during the time the child is on a waitlist for a physician appointment or is scheduled for a future appointment; and.

(4) Establish secure telehealth kiosks in county health departments so parents without high-speed internet can access specialty appointments.

§9-11-3. Funding the future.

The Legislature shall divert five percent of funds currently spent on "Out-of-State Residential Placement" to the Pediatric Resource Fund to pay for these in-home services.