A Senate committee adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 566 that would allow certified law enforcement officers enrolled in accredited West Virginia colleges, community and technical colleges, universities or approved career, technical or aviation schools to receive payment of tuition and fees for certain programs, subject to eligibility criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Homeland Security and subject to appropriation.

Committee counsel Hank told members the substitute permits payment for a certificate, an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree (the text was read as allowing payment for one certificate, one undergraduate degree and one master’s degree) and limits payment for doctorate degrees to not more than two certified law enforcement officers per year. Payment for officers attending state-supported schools is limited to the actual cost of tuition and fees at the school; for private schools, payment is limited to the highest amount payable at any state-supported school in West Virginia. Counsel said the Secretary of Homeland Security (as named in the substitute) will prescribe eligibility criteria and administer the payments, and that the substitute reduces payments when recipients are eligible for other state or federal grants or scholarships (a “last dollar” intent). The substitute also allows prorated repayment of funds if a recipient completes only a portion of required service.

Committee members asked about logistics and scope. The senator identified in the transcript as the Senator from Greenbrier asked whether officers could continue from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree under the program; counsel said the substitute was intended to allow payment for a master’s in addition to an undergraduate degree. Counsel and senators also confirmed the secretary’s rules would likely set application procedures and eligibility details. Members noted the provision is intended to aid recruitment and professional development in law enforcement.

The committee agreed to the committee substitute by voice vote; the chair declared the ayes have it. The committee then voted to report the substitute to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass, and under the original double committee reference the matter will first be referred to the Finance Committee for review.