This bill proposes the creation of the "Higher Education Health and Aid Grant" program, which will be established by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. The program aims to provide financial assistance to state institutions of higher education to address issues of food insecurity and health and hygiene inadequacies among students. The bill outlines specific criteria for how grant funds can be utilized, including the establishment of food and health aid pantries on campuses, the purchase of shelf-stable food and hygiene products, and the requirement for institutions to maintain detailed inventory records and submit periodic reports on their expenditures.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Chancellor or a designated representative of the Higher Education Policy Commission will allocate grant funding to eligible institutions and will be responsible for reporting 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 provisions of this bill are 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