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 public institutions of higher education to address critical issues such as 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 necessary food and hygiene products, and the maintenance of detailed inventory and expenditure records. The Chancellor of the Higher Education Policy Commission will oversee the allocation of grant funds, ensuring that each participating institution receives a minimum of $10,000, with a maximum of $25,000 available to select institutions based on compliance and need.

Additionally, the bill mandates a reporting requirement where the Chancellor must submit a comprehensive 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 student welfare, and recommendations for future expansion. The bill appropriates $450,000 annually from the General Revenue Fund to support the program, with an effective date set for 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