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HB 4905

Removing fees teachers have to pay in order to obtain any teaching license, certification, or additional continuing education credit hours (reporting fee) to the state Board of Education

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Bell and 2 co-sponsors

West Virginia bill eliminates state teaching license, certification, and continuing education fees to reduce financial barriers for educators seeking professional credentials.

To House Education
#education(k12)
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Bill Summary · HB 4905

Legislative bill overview

HB 4905 would eliminate fees that teachers in West Virginia must pay to obtain teaching licenses, certifications, and continuing education credits through the state Board of Education. The bill removes financial barriers associated with professional credential acquisition and mandatory professional development reporting. This applies to all reporting fees currently charged by the state Board of Education for these licensure and certification processes.

Why is this important

Teacher licensing and continuing education fees represent direct out-of-pocket costs for educators, which can accumulate significantly over a career spanning decades of recertification and skill development. Removing these fees could increase access to professional advancement opportunities and reduce financial burden on teachers, particularly those in lower-income brackets. The policy also reflects broader workforce development considerations—whether states should subsidize professional credentials for public employees.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget impact: Eliminating these fees removes revenue the Board of Education currently collects; the bill does not specify alternative funding sources, raising questions about how administrative costs for licensure processing would be covered.
  • Incentive structures: Some argue licensing fees ensure only committed candidates pursue credentials; opponents counter that fees disproportionately burden career-changers and teachers from disadvantaged backgrounds who might otherwise strengthen the profession.
  • Scope of application: The bill's language covers "any teaching license, certification, or additional continuing education"—potentially a broad scope that could significantly impact state revenues depending on current fee schedules and volume.

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

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