The bill establishes the West Virginia Collaboratory, a new entity aimed at enhancing the application of research and policy expertise from state institutions of higher education for the benefit of state and local governments and citizens. Housed at Marshall University, the Collaboratory will conduct research in various areas, including workforce development, public education, and natural resource management. It will also support research programs, identify funding opportunities, and disseminate best practices. The Collaboratory is prohibited from using state funds for indirect overhead costs and is required to cooperate with state and local governments to access necessary resources for its research initiatives.

Additionally, the bill creates the Collaboratory Advisory Group, composed of members from the House of Delegates, Senate, and representatives from various universities, as well as citizens with relevant expertise. This group will assist in prioritizing research opportunities and reviewing funding proposals. Notably, meetings of the Advisory Group are exempt from open meetings laws, and their records are not subject to public disclosure. The Collaboratory is also mandated to submit an annual report detailing its activities and financial expenditures to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance by December 1 each year.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 4-16-1, 4-16-2, 4-16-3
Committee Substitute: 4-16-1, 4-16-2, 4-16-3
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 4-16-1, 4-16-2, 4-16-3
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 4-16-1, 4-16-2, 4-16-3