This bill proposes amendments to the West Virginia Code, specifically sections 48-9-104 and 48-9-501, to close the existing Parent Education Fund and redirect its resources to the Family Court Fund. The bill stipulates that as of July 1, 2026, the Parent Education Fund will be closed, and any unexpended balances will be transferred to the Family Court Fund. Additionally, it specifies that fees collected from parents attending education classes, which were previously directed to the Parent Education Fund, will now be deposited into the Family Court Fund. The bill also modifies the allocation of civil penalties for violations of court-ordered parenting plans, redirecting these funds to the Family Court Fund as well.

The amendments include the removal of references to the Parent Education Fund in the context of fee collection and civil penalties, replacing them with references to the Family Court Fund. This change aims to streamline funding for family court services and ensure that resources are utilized more effectively in supporting families involved in custody and parenting disputes. The bill emphasizes the importance of providing necessary educational programs for parents while ensuring that the financial aspects are managed under the Family Court Fund.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 48-9-104, 48-9-501