The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.West Virginia creates pilot program to distribute preloaded early-learning touchpads to eligible preschool-aged children
Last action · February 23, 2026: To House FinanceSponsors: Sean Hornbuckle and 10 others
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What This Bill Proposed
The West Virginia Department of Education is directed to establish a pilot program that provides preloaded early-learning touchpads and support materials to eligible three- and four-year-old children without requiring internet access. The measure creates a dedicated special revenue fund and requires annual evaluation and reporting to the Legislature.
Low-income and geographically isolated families with preschool-aged children gain access to free, offline learning devices and caregiver support resources designed to improve kindergarten readiness.
Who It Would Have Affected
Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
West Virginia Department of Education
The department is required to establish, administer, distribute, and evaluate the touchpad pilot program and submit annual reports.
Preschool-aged children and families
Eligible children receive preloaded learning devices and kits, while caregivers receive ongoing educational support resources and guidance.
County boards of education
Local boards and community partners may coordinate with the department on program implementation and enrollment.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which children are eligible to receive a touchpad kit?
Do families need internet access to use the touchpad devices?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in House committee.
Procedural history
7 actions- Feb 23, 2026HouseCommitteeTo House Finance
- Feb 23, 2026HouseDo pass, but first to Finance
- Feb 20, 2026HouseMarkup Discussion
- Feb 12, 2026HouseCommitteeTo House Education
- Feb 12, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced in House
- Feb 12, 2026HouseCommitteeTo Education then Finance
Show 1 earlier action
- Feb 12, 2026HouseIntroducedFiled for introduction
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Show 6 more sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Offline Digital Early Learning Focus
The legislation specifically mandates devices that operate without internet access to address rural broadband barriers for low-income preschoolers.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.wvlegislature.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance20Lowered because this bill did not pass (its text scored 55)
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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