The proposed bill aims to establish the "Higher Education Health and Aid Grant" program under the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. This initiative is designed to provide financial support to state institutions of higher education with the goal of addressing student food insecurity and health and hygiene inadequacies. The bill outlines specific criteria for institutions to qualify for the grant, including the establishment of food and health aid pantries on campus, the purchase of shelf-stable food and hygiene products, and the maintenance of detailed inventory records. Institutions must also submit physical receipts and periodic inventory reports to ensure accountability in the use of grant funds.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Chancellor or a designated representative of the Higher Education Policy Commission report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability within one year of the program's establishment. This report will detail the number and amounts of grants awarded, the rationale for funding decisions, the program's impact on food and hygiene insecurity among students, and recommendations for potential expansion of the grant program. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-22-1, 18B-22-2, 18B-22-3, 18B-22-4, 18B-22-5, 18B-22-6
Committee Substitute: 18B-22-1, 18B-22-2, 18B-22-3, 18B-22-4, 18B-22-5