To implement trauma-informed practices in schools

HB 5115 Text

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Key:
Green
= existing Code.
Red
= new code to be enacted

FISCAL NOTE

WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE
2026
REGULAR SESSION
Introduced
House Bill 5115
By Delegate Young
[Introduced February 03, 2026; referred to the Committee on Education then Finance]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated
§18-2-4
7, relating to implementation of trauma-informed practices in schools; providing for an effective date; providing for training; providing definition of trauma-informed practices; providing for disciplinary considerations in light of trauma-informed practices; providing for a culture of acceptance among educational professionals relating to trauma-informed practices within the school; and providing for rulemaking.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

Article 2. State Board of Education.

§18-2-47. Implementation of trauma-informed practices.

(a) Beginning July 1, 2026, the state board shall implement trauma-informed practices in schools in this state from kindergarten through grade 12.
(b) The state board shall provide training for all teachers, school leaders, paraprofessionals, and specialized instructional support personnel on trauma-informed practices.
(c) "Trauma-informed practices" means:
(1) Evidence-based professional development that promotes a shared understanding among teachers, teachers’ assistants, school leaders, paraprofessionals, specialized instructional support personnel and other staff that:
(A) Traumatic experiences are common among students;
(B) Trauma can impact student learning, behavior and relationships in school;
(C) Traumatic experiences do not inherently undermine the capabilities of students to reach high expectations in academics and life;
(D) School-wide learning environments where all students and adults feel safe, welcomed, and supported can enable students to succeed despite traumatic experiences; and
(E) Services, support, and programs provided to meet individual student needs should be trauma-informed, where appropriate, and increase student connection to the school-wide learning environment;
(2) Adoption of disciplinary procedures and practices that:
(A) Accompany disciplinary actions with holistic assessments and positive behavioral interventions and support to address the underlying causes of student behavior, including trauma;
(B) Avoid harsh and punitive, exclusionary disciplinary practices;
(C) Utilize evidence-based restorative practices that build a culture of trust; and
(D) Do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), disability, English proficiency status, migrant status, or age, consistent with the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. §6101
et seq
.), title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §2000d
et seq
.), title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681
et seq
.), section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. §794), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. § 12101
et seq
.), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (42 U.S.C. §1400
et seq
.);
(3) Activities that engage teachers, teachers’ assistants, school leaders, paraprofessionals, specialized instructional support personnel, and other staff in a process of school-based planning to:
(A) Promote a school-wide culture of acceptance;
(B) Help all students feel safe and connected to the school community;
(C) Support all students to form positive relationships with adults and peers, understand and manage emotions, achieve success academically and in extra-curricular areas, and experience physical and psychological health and well-being;
(D) Promote teamwork and effective communication among all staff and shared responsibility for every student;
(E) Integrate evidence-based practices that build social-emotional skills into rigorous academic instruction; and
(F) Recognize and prevent adult implicit bias.
(d) The state board is authorized to propose legislative rules for promulgation in accordance with §29A-3B-1
et seq
., and if necessary, may promulgate an emergency rule in accordance with said article, for the implementation of this section.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to require the State Board of Education to implement trauma-informed practices in grades K-12.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.

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