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Bill

HB 4588

Relating to participating in the federal tax credit scholarship program

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Burkhammer and 7 co-sponsors

West Virginia joins federal tax credit scholarship program, allowing donors tax credits for contributions to private school tuition assistance funds.

Communicated to Senate
#education(k12)
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Bill Summary · HB 4588

Legislative bill overview

HB 4588 allows West Virginia to participate in the federal Scholarship for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Act tax credit scholarship program, which provides federal tax credits to donors who contribute to state-approved scholarship funds for private school tuition. The bill enables the state to establish the administrative framework necessary to qualify for and distribute these federal tax credits to eligible students and participating schools.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects K-12 education funding and parental school choice by creating a mechanism to redirect federal tax credits toward private school tuition assistance. It represents a shift in how education dollars flow through the state system and could significantly impact enrollment patterns, public school funding, and access to private education options for families across West Virginia.

Potential points of contention

  • Public school funding impact: Critics argue that directing federal tax credits to private schools may reduce resources available for public education, potentially widening equity gaps between well-funded and under-resourced districts
  • Accountability and oversight: Questions about how the state will ensure participating scholarship funds meet educational quality standards and serve disadvantaged populations as intended by federal law
  • Religious school participation: The program's treatment of religious schools raises concerns about public funding flowing to sectarian institutions, which conflicts with some interpretations of state constitutional provisions

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

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