Committee Action in Legislature: Feb. 11 & 12, 2021
Thursday:
Committee Substitute for HB 2001
- Jumpstart Savings Act - Invest in career education & related expenses, or start a business.
- Similar to Smart 529 , Up to $25k tax free
Passed with amendment
Committee Substitute for HB 2012
- Changes limitations on amount of Charter Schools from 3 to 10
- Takes away revocation provisions
- Creates new authorizer as “West Virginia Professional Charter School Board”
- Bypasses local decision making by allowing appeal to new Charter Board
- Creates Virtual Charter Schools
16-7 passed without amendment (Dems were no)
Committee Substitute for HB 2013
- Hope Scholarship
- 100% of state aid formula on base per student annually
- Can accumulate yearly upon entry into Kindergarten up to the age of 21
- Can be used for private schools & or related educational expenses by definition
- Creates a new Board- “Hope Scholarship Board”
- Shall be operational by July 2022
- Approximately $4600/yr based on previous year state aid formula per pupil average
- Must apply annually
Passed as amended w/ reference to House Finance Committee (on agenda for 2/13/21 meeting)
Friday:
Committee Substitute for HB 2009
- Relating to limitations on the use of wages and agency shop fees by employers and labor organizations for political activities
- Attack on payroll deduction and unions
- Forces annual reauthorization for deductions regardless of member’s wishes
- Direct interference of government into private contract between employee & union
- Attempt to silence workers’ collective voices by limiting the ability to invest in elections
Passed the Judiciary Committee; advances to the House floor.
Both the House and Senate will convene on Saturday, and Education Committee meetings are scheduled for both chambers.