The proposed bill aims to establish the "West Virginia Secondary School Athletic Trainer and Career Technical Education Program Act," which seeks to enhance the safety and well-being of student-athletes in secondary schools across West Virginia. It outlines the creation of a five-year program to ensure that all secondary high schools have licensed athletic trainers on staff by July 1, 2031. The bill emphasizes the importance of compliance with the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) regulations and aims to provide career and technical education (CTE) programs in athletic training, thereby creating a pathway for students interested in sports medicine careers.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for workforce recruitment and financial incentives, such as student loan repayment for individuals who earn degrees in athletic training and commit to working in secondary schools. The West Virginia Board of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health Facilities, will oversee the implementation of the program, which is set to begin on July 1, 2026. The legislation underscores the necessity of appropriate medical attention and injury prevention resources for student-athletes, ensuring that the program aligns with state educational standards and accreditation requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-20B-1, 30-20B-2, 30-20B-3, 30-20B-4, 30-20B-5, 30-20B-6, 30-20B-7