WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE

2022 REGULAR SESSION

Introduced

Senate Bill 661

By Senators Woodrum, Sypolt, and Grady

[Introduced February 17, 2022; referred
to the Committee on Health and Human Resources]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §49-2-115a, relating to licensure of Head Start facilities in this state; and eliminating duplication of efforts.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 2. STATE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CHILDREN.

§49-2-115a. Head Start program licenses.

Notwithstanding any provisions of this code to the contrary, any Head Start program licensed by the federal government pursuant to 42 USC §9381 may be considered qualified as being licensed and having met the application requirements of this section: Provided, That, it does not have outstanding health or safety complaints or investigations and remains generally in good standing. Nothing herein may be construed to prevent the department from investigating complaints. If an investigation affirms a health and safety complaint is justified, the department may cause the Head Start program to revert to the full licensing procedure. All Head Start programs licensed, whether considered or under traditional licensure through the department, shall have use of the WV CARES background check section.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to eliminate duplicative efforts to license Head Start facilities in this state.

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