WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2478

Clarifying eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Anders and 9 co-sponsors

House Bill 2478 clarifies HOPE Scholarship eligibility in West Virginia, aiming to boost participation by expanding criteria for families seeking educational financial aid.

To House Educational Choice
#education(k12)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2478

Summary of House Bill 2478: Clarifying Eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 2478
  • Title: Clarifying eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship
  • Status: To House Educational Choice
  • Introduced: February 17, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Education (K-12)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2478 aims to clarify the definition of an "eligible recipient" for the HOPE Scholarship Program in West Virginia. The bill seeks to ensure that the criteria for eligibility are clearly defined, thereby potentially increasing participation in the program.

Key Provisions

The bill amends and reenacts §18-31-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, with specific changes to the definition of an eligible recipient. The main provisions include:

  1. Definition of Eligible Recipient:

    • A child must be:
      • A resident of West Virginia.
      • Enrolled full-time in a public elementary or secondary school for at least 45 calendar days during the instructional term at the time of application.
      • Alternatively, a child who was enrolled full-time in the previous instructional year or is eligible to enroll in a kindergarten program.

  2. Participation Rate Clause:

    • If, by July 1, 2024, the combined participation rate of students in the HOPE Scholarship Program and those eligible who have applied is less than 5% of net public school enrollment, the eligibility criteria will expand. Effective July 1, 2026, a child will be considered eligible if they are enrolled, eligible to enroll, or required to enroll in a kindergarten or public school program at the time of application.

  3. Clarification of Terms:

    • The bill also clarifies various terms related to the HOPE Scholarship Program, including definitions for "account," "board," "curriculum," "education service provider," and others.

Impact

  • Who Would Be Affected:

    • The bill primarily affects students and families in West Virginia who are seeking financial assistance for educational expenses through the HOPE Scholarship Program.
    • Schools and educational service providers may also be impacted as the eligibility criteria could lead to changes in enrollment and funding dynamics.

  • Potential Increase in Participation:

    • By broadening the eligibility criteria, the bill may encourage more families to apply for the scholarship, thereby increasing the overall participation rate in the program.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 17, 2025: Bill filed for introduction and referred to the Committee on Education and then Finance.
  • February 26, 2025: The bill was sent to the House Educational Choice Committee for further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill 2478 seeks to enhance the accessibility of the HOPE Scholarship Program by clarifying eligibility requirements. By potentially increasing the number of eligible recipients, the bill aims to support more families in accessing educational resources for their children in West Virginia.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.