WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE

2026 REGULAR SESSION

Introduced

Senate Bill 1003

By Senator Helton

[Introduced February 19, 2026; referred
to the Committee on Health and Human Resources; and then to the Committee on Finance]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §9-11-1, §9-11-2, and §9-11-3, relating to requiring the Secretary of the Department of Human Services to establish a “home first” mental health framework; creating regional pediatric mental health hubs; providing for immediate behavioral coaching for parents of children under the age of 12; and providing for funding of these services.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

Article 11. Parental Support & Pediatric Access.

§9-11-1. The "Home-First" Mandate.

It is the policy of this state that no child under the age of 12 may be removed from their home for mental health reasons solely because community-based resources were unavailable. The State shall prioritize funding for in-home clinical support.

§9-11-2. Regional Pediatric Resource Hubs.

The Secretary of Human Services state shall establish three Regional Pediatric Mental Health Hubs (Northern, Southern, and Central). Each hub shall:

(1) Maintain a real-time directory;

(2) Maintain a live map of every available pediatric counselor and their current wait time;

(3) Provide "Bridge" Coaching: While a child is on a waitlist for a doctor, the state shall provide the parent with a behavioral health coach within 48 hours to help manage the crisis at home; and.

(4) Establish secure telehealth kiosks in rural county health departments so parents without high-speed internet can access specialists in Morgantown or Charleston.

§9-11-3. Funding the future.

The Legislature shall divert five percent of funds currently spent on "Out-of-State Residential Placement" to the Pediatric Resource Fund to pay for these in-home services.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to establish a "Home-First" mental health framework and create Regional Pediatric Mental Health Hubs

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.