Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study access in public secondary schools to athletic trainers

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Fuller

SCR 8 directs study of athletic trainer access in WV public schools to boost student safety and expand sports-medicine education, with a 2027 report and potential legislation.

Ordered to House

#resolutions(interimstudy)

What the bill is

Senate Concurrent Resolution 8 (SCR 8), introduced in the West Virginia Legislature in March 2026, intends to urge the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study access to athletic trainers in public secondary schools. The goal is to enhance student-athlete safety and well-being and to explore opportunities for expanding education and training pathways for athletic trainers.

Main purpose and intent

Ensure the safety, health, and well-being of student athletes in public secondary schools by examining access to athletic trainers.

Identify ways to broaden educational opportunities for individuals who wish to train and work as athletic trainers.

Produce a formal report with findings, recommendations, and potential legislative drafts to increase athletic trainer availability in schools.

Key provisions and changes (what the bill would do)

Directive: The Joint Committee on Government and Finance is tasked with studying access to athletic trainers in public secondary schools.

Reporting deadline: The committee must submit a report by January 1, 2027, detailing findings to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Delegates.

Content of the report: Should include suggestions for expanding the availability of athletic trainers in public secondary schools and a plan for greater access to sports medicine education in the state.

Legislative action: The committee is asked to report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the Legislature during the 2027 regular session, including drafts of any necessary legislation to implement its recommendations.

Funding: Expenses for conducting the study, preparing the report, and drafting any needed legislation are to be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.

Who would be affected

Public secondary schools in West Virginia (through potential changes in access to athletic trainers and related policies).

Student-athletes who would potentially benefit from improved on-site medical care, injury prevention, and rehabilitation services.

Prospective and current athletic trainers and students pursuing sports-medicine education (through expanded educational opportunities).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction: March 11, 2026.

Immediate actions: The resolution was reported as adopted and placed on the House agenda for consideration shortly after introduction.

Reporting requirements:

Preliminary report due by January 1, 2027, to the Governor and legislative leadership.
Final report with conclusions and recommended legislation due to the Regular Session of 2027.

Financials: Study and drafting costs to be covered by existing legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.

Summary

SCR 8 asks the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a comprehensive study of access to athletic trainers in West Virginia’s public secondary schools, with the objective of improving student safety and expanding educational opportunities in sports medicine. The outcome expected is a detailed report and potential draft legislation during the 2027 legislative session, supported by the appropriate legislative funding.