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Bill

HB 5048

To ensure virtual instruction for foster students while in temporary placement facilities.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Browning and 10 co-sponsors

HB 5048 requires West Virginia to provide virtual instruction for foster students in temporary placements to maintain school continuity and educational stability.

Chapter 126, Acts, Regular Session, 2026
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Bill Summary · HB 5048

Legislative bill overview

HB 5048 mandates that West Virginia provide virtual instruction options for foster children placed in temporary facilities, ensuring educational continuity during transitions. The bill aims to prevent educational disruption by allowing these students to maintain enrollment in their original schools while in temporary placements.

Why is this important

Foster children experience frequent relocations that often result in school changes, academic setbacks, and loss of educational momentum. By guaranteeing virtual instruction access, the bill protects educational stability for an already vulnerable population during an unstable period in their lives.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools and the state must fund technology, internet access, and administrative support for virtual instruction without clear funding mechanisms specified in the bill summary
  • Educational quality concerns: Virtual learning effectiveness varies significantly, and foster students may face additional barriers (home instability, lack of devices/internet) that make remote learning more challenging than traditional attendance
  • Coordination complexity: Temporary placement facilities may lack adequate infrastructure or staff to support educational coordination between multiple school systems

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

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