The proposed bill aims to establish the Safety and Violence Education for Students Act in West Virginia, mandating that all schools serving students in grades six through twelve provide at least one hour of evidence-based youth violence prevention training each school year. Additionally, schools serving grades K-12 are required to offer at least one hour of evidence-based social inclusion training annually. The West Virginia Department of Education is tasked with developing a list of approved training programs and materials, which must be made publicly available and updated regularly. The bill also allows for the establishment of student-led violence prevention clubs in schools and encourages the Department of Education to seek state and federal funding to support the implementation of these requirements.

Furthermore, the bill defines key terms, including "Department of Education" and "evidence-based," to ensure clarity in its provisions. It specifies that the requirements are voluntary for public charter schools and nonpublic schools, allowing for flexibility in their application. The legislation emphasizes the importance of training students to recognize warning signs of violence and social isolation, as well as the need for peer support and intervention strategies. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance student safety and promote a supportive school environment through structured educational initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-36-1, 18-36-2, 18-36-3, 18-36-4, 18-36-5, 18-36-6