FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: January 29, 2026
Time Requested: 05:48 PM |
| Agency: |
Education, WV Department of |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 2996 |
Introduced |
HB4905 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
Education (K12) |
|---|
|
FUND(S):
0313
Sources of Revenue:
General 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 eliminates all state-imposed fees for teacher licensure, certification, and continuing education by January 30, 2027. In its current form, this proposal would substantially impair the West Virginia Department of Education's (WVDE) ability to carry out its statutory and operational responsibilities and would require a significant infusion of state funding to maintain current service and staffing levels, which are already at a minimum. The staff responsible for these functions is funded through fee-generated revenue. Elimination of these fees would result in the loss of nearly $1M in in collections during the first year of implementation and $2M in collections annually upon full implementation.
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 |
1,000,000 |
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):
Data utilized is from the current number of certification applications received in a typical year. Regarding the long-range impact, the fiscal impact in future years is difficult to predict but would almost certainly increase as additional licensure pathways are introduced, educator retirements continue, and new teachers seek initial certification. Greater access to continuing education opportunities would also lead more educators to pursue coursework to expand or enhance their existing licensure classifications. Additionally, as designated shortage areas expand, more educators would seek additional endorsements, increasing the volume of certificates and licenses processed and issued by the WVDE and, correspondingly, the number of tuition reimbursement applications requiring review and processing.
Memorandum
Please note that the collection of licensure fees supports the minimal staffing necessary to perform critical functions and operate the infrastructure systems needed. Absent a dedicated funding source, the bill would lead to processing delays, reduced operational capacity, and increased administrative burden, ultimately affecting educators, county school systems’ ability to staff classrooms with properly certified personnel, and the overall stability of the state’s educator workforce infrastructure.
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Tina Payne
Email Address: tina.a.payne@k12.wv.us