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HB 2138

Require adoption awareness material be made available in high school counseling offices

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Holstein

House Bill 2138 requires West Virginia high schools to provide adoption awareness materials to students, promoting informed decisions about adoption options and support.

To House Education
#education(k12) #health
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Bill Summary · HB 2138

Summary of House Bill 2138

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 2138
  • Title: Require Adoption Awareness Material Be Made Available in High School Counseling Offices
  • Status: To House Education
  • Introduced: January 29, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Education (K-12), Health

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2138 aims to enhance awareness and understanding of adoption among high school students in grades 9 through 12. The bill mandates that public schools provide adoption awareness materials to students upon request, thereby promoting informed decision-making regarding adoption.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Availability of Materials:

    • Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, public schools in West Virginia must make adoption awareness materials available to students in grades 9-12.
    • These materials can be accessed through school counselors or directly from the school.

  2. Content of Adoption Awareness Materials:

    • The materials must cover a range of topics, including:
      • Types of adoption available.
      • Differences between adoption through the foster care system and private adoption.
      • Resources and agencies (both public and private) that assist in the adoption process.
      • Support resources available for pregnant mothers and parents who are students.
      • Information on child and human development.

  3. Parental Notification:

    • Schools are required to provide any written information given to students to the parents, legal guardians, or individuals standing in loco parentis for pregnant students enrolled in the public school.

  4. Development of Standards:

    • The State Board of Education is tasked with developing written standards and guidelines for the adoption awareness materials to ensure consistency and comprehensiveness.

Impact

  • Who Will Be Affected:

    • High school students (grades 9-12) in public schools across West Virginia will directly benefit from access to adoption awareness materials.
    • Parents and guardians of pregnant students will also receive relevant information, fostering a supportive environment for informed decisions regarding adoption.

  • Potential Benefits:

    • Increased awareness and understanding of adoption options among students.
    • Enhanced support for pregnant students and their families.
    • Promotion of informed discussions about adoption within families and communities.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 29, 2025: Bill filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tony M. McCombie.
  • February 4, 2025: First reading and referred to Rules Committee.
  • February 12, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Education Committee.
  • March 4, 2025: Assigned to the Executive Committee.
  • March 12, 2025: Passed in the Executive Committee with a vote of 12-0-0.
  • March 27, 2025: Held on the Calendar Order for Second Reading.
  • April 11, 2025: Third Reading Deadline Extended to May 31, 2025.
  • May 31, 2025: Rule 19(a) - Re-referred to Rules Committee.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 2138, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on students and families in West Virginia.

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

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