The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.West Virginia requires schools to implement trauma-informed practices and training by July 2026
Last action · February 3, 2026: To House EducationSponsor: Kayla Young
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What This Bill Proposed
Beginning July 1, 2026, West Virginia public schools from kindergarten through grade 12 must implement trauma-informed educational and disciplinary practices, provide staff training, and restrict harsh punitive discipline. The measure directs the State Board of Education to establish rules and professional development standards for teachers, school leaders, and support staff.
Changes how public schools handle student behavioral infractions by requiring holistic assessments and instead of exclusionary discipline, while mandating specialized training for all instructional personnel.
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.
Teachers and School Staff
Must complete professional development and training on trauma-informed practices and integrate social-emotional skills into instruction.
K-12 Students
Subject to new trauma-informed support services, school environments, and restorative disciplinary procedures instead of traditional exclusionary punishment.
State Board of Education
Must implement trauma-informed practices across all state schools, provide staff training, and promulgate legislative or emergency rules.
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
When does the implementation of trauma-informed practices begin?
Which school personnel are required to receive training?
How does the bill change school discipline?
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
4 actions- Feb 3, 2026HouseCommitteeTo House Education
- Feb 3, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced in House
- Feb 3, 2026HouseCommitteeTo Education then Finance
- Feb 3, 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
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Shift Toward Restorative Discipline
The bill mandates a statewide transition away from exclusionary school discipline toward holistic and restorative interventions.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.wvlegislature.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance20Lowered because this bill did not pass (its text scored 75)
- Controversy35Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
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