The proposed bill, known as the Safety and Violence Education for Students Act, aims to enhance student safety in West Virginia by mandating that all schools serving grades K-12 provide specific training to students. Schools serving grades six through 12 will be required to offer at least one hour of evidence-based youth violence prevention training each school year, while all K-12 schools must provide at least one hour of evidence-based social inclusion training annually. The West Virginia Department of Education is tasked with developing a list of approved training programs and materials, which must be made publicly available and updated regularly. Additionally, schools may be encouraged to establish student-led violence prevention clubs to promote awareness and leadership among students.

To support the implementation of these requirements, the Department of Education is encouraged to seek state and federal funding. The bill also includes definitions for key terms, such as "evidence-based," and specifies that the requirements are voluntary for public charter schools and nonpublic schools. Overall, the legislation seeks to create a safer school environment by equipping students with the knowledge and skills to prevent violence and combat social isolation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-36-1, 18-36-2, 18-36-3, 18-36-4, 18-36-5, 18-36-6, 18-36-7
Committee Substitute: 18-36-1, 18-36-2, 18-36-3, 18-36-4, 18-36-5, 18-36-6
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 18-36-1, 18-36-2, 18-36-3, 18-36-4, 18-36-5, 18-36-6