Bill
HB 5575
The bill creates a West Virginia Special Olympics Program with funding and oversight to support athletes with intellectual disabilities in participating in Special Olympics events
HB 5575 (West Virginia) – 2026 Session
Title: West Virginia Special Olympics Program
Summary purpose
- The bill establishes or enhances a state program to support the West Virginia Special Olympics, aiming to provide funding, oversight, and opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate in organized sporting events.
Key provisions and changes (as described by the bill’s intent)
- Program designation: Creates or formalizes a state program titled the West Virginia Special Olympics Program to coordinate participation in Special Olympics activities within the state.
- Funding authorization: Includes appropriations or funding mechanisms to support program operations, events, athletes, coaching, training, and related administrative costs. (Specific dollar amounts are not provided in the available text excerpt; the bill is listed as moving to Finance, indicating fiscal considerations.)
- Administration and oversight: Establishes responsibilities for administering the program, including potential partnerships with schools, local governments, and community organizations to facilitate participation and transportation, as well as compliance with applicable state laws and federal requirements for Special Olympics programming.
- Participation and eligibility: Sets criteria for who may participate in program activities, focusing on athletes with intellectual disabilities and ensuring inclusive access to competitions, training, and related services.
- Events and competitions: Supports participation in Special Olympics events at state, regional, or national levels, including scheduling, travel, and logistical support for teams and athletes.
- Reporting and accountability: Requires periodic reporting to the Legislature or relevant state department on program outcomes, expenditures, and performance metrics, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Who would be affected
- Athletes: Individuals with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics programs in West Virginia would directly benefit from enhanced program support, funding, and access to events.
- Families and caregivers: Families of participating athletes may gain increased opportunities for participation and support, including transportation and event experiences.
- Local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations: Potential partners or facilitators for program delivery, training, and event hosting.
- State agencies: Departments involved in education, health, or recreation that administer or oversee athletic and disability programs may implement and monitor the program.
- taxpayers: Public funding allocations would be subject to legislative appropriations and oversight.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduction and sponsor: HB 5575 was introduced on February 16, 2026. Co-sponsor: Elliott Pritt.
- Referral: Referred to the House Finance Committee (as part of standard budgeting and fiscal consideration process).
- Next steps: The bill would undergo committee review for fiscal impact, potential amendments, and fiscal note development, followed by floor consideration in the House, and then eventual passage to the Senate (or other chamber) for concurrent proceedings.
- Fiscal consideration: Given its referral to Finance, the bill is expected to include or require a funding plan, impact analysis, and potential appropriation language.
Notes
- The provided text of the bill body is not fully legible in the excerpt; the summary reflects typical elements of a program-support bill for Special Olympics. Confirm exact language, program names, funding amounts, eligibility standards, and reporting requirements by reviewing the official bill text and any fiscal notes or amendments filed by the Finance Committee.
If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include hypothetical fiscal ranges or compare with similar state programs, once the official bill text and fiscal notes are available.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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