FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: January 19, 2026
Time Requested: 04:15 PM |
| Agency: |
Higher Education Policy Commission |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 1915 |
Introduced |
SB476 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
Education (Higher) |
|---|
|
FUND(S):
General
Sources of Revenue:
General Fund
Legislation creates:
Creates New Expense, Increases Existing Expenses
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
The purpose of this bill is to create the Selecting Neutral Accreditors Act, requiring West Virginia public institutions of higher education to use accrediting agencies that do not employ diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements in their accreditation standards. It directs institutions to review and, if necessary, change accreditors by July 1, 2026, establishes definitions and enforcement authority, and empowers the Attorney General to investigate violations. The Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) is unable to determine the financial impact of SB476. However, institutions would incur costs related to the annual review of accrediting agencies. Further, if it is determined that an institution must switch accreditors, substantial expenses are likely to be incurred, including those for research and analysis, initiation, migration, and membership dues.
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 |
0 |
0 |
| 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):
N/A- Unable to determine
Memorandum
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Misty Price
Email Address: misty.price@wvhepc.edu