WV HB5126

Amends §18-5-44 of the West Virginia Code to explicitly authorize the Lottery Education Fund, State Lottery Fund, and Excess Lottery Fund to be used for early childhood education programs throughout the state

Applies to pre-kindergarten programs serving children who have attained age four prior to July 1 of the school year they enter the program

Early childhood education programs must provide at least 48,000 minutes annually and no less than 1,500 minutes of instruction per week

Programs remain voluntary for families, though enrolled students become subject to attendance requirements unless parents withdraw them in writing

County boards must develop implementation plans approved by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services and the state board, including demographic analysis, facility and personnel needs, and financial requirements