FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: February 13, 2026
Time Requested: 04:30 PM |
| Agency: |
Education, WV Department of |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 3583 |
Introduced |
HB5478 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
Education (K12) |
|---|
|
FUND(S):
N/A
Sources of Revenue:
Other Fund County Boards of Education
Legislation creates:
Increases Existing Expenses
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
This proposed legislation creates the Kindergarten Readiness Touchpad Pilot Program. In its current form, it requires the purchase of a tablet for each eligible child, with an estimated cost of $250 per device. Based on eligibility estimates of approximately 27,650 children, the total cost for tablets alone is projected to be $6.91 million. Additional program costs include approximately $200,000 annually for program implementation, distribution, and family engagement, and $50,000 annually for evaluation. As a result, the total estimated cost of the program for one year is approximately $7,162,500, which would be borne by the various county boards of education.
Fiscal Note Detail
| Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2026
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2027
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
7,162,500 |
7,162,500 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
This legislation requires the purchase of a tablet for each eligible child. It is estimated that a tablet, as described, could cost approximately $250 per eligible child. Based on US Census and Kids Count data, and the language in the bill, we estimate that 17,500 4-years-olds (eligible for WV PreK) and 10,500 3-year-olds (58.2% of WV families are eligible for WIC) are eligible for the program. This totals 27,650 students, who may be eligible based on the language in the bill. Enactment of the program, including distribution and family engagement, is estimated at approximately $200,000 per year. Evaluation of the program is approximately $50,000 per year. The costs associated with the purchase of the tablet will be $250 x 27,650 children = $6,912,500. The total estimated cost to the various county boards of education is $7,162.500.
Memorandum
N/A
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Tina Payne
Email Address: tina.a.payne@k12.wv.us