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WV HB4446
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
Rick Hillenbrand
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a four-year firefighter education pilot program in Kanawha, Ohio, Mineral, and Raleigh counties to provide Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II training through community and technical colleges
- Makes firefighter education available to all eligible students, including high school students, to help meet volunteer and professional fire department training requirements
- Requires the WV Higher Education Policy Commission to cover tuition and academic fees for eligible students participating in the program
- Mandates fire instructors be employed by WVU Fire Service Extension and obtain adult part-time teaching permits from the WV Department of Education
- Requires annual reporting to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability starting July 1, 2029, covering enrollment, credentials earned, expenditures, and program recommendations
- Program must begin by July 1, 2026, with instruction starting no later than the 2026-2027 school year, and expires June 30, 2031
Legislative Description
Firefighter Pilot Program
Public Safety
Last Action
Markup Discussion
2/5/2026
Committee Referrals
Education1/16/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available