HB4573 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act.

What is the status of HB4573?

Passed both chambers as of March 12, 2026. Latest action: Communicated to Senate (March 14, 2026).

Who sponsored HB4573?

Dittman, Lori (R, 063), with 9 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB4573?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4573&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia HB4573: Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act

Q: What does HB4573 do?

In its own words: To amend the code of Wes Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §18-5-55, relating to foster children; and authorizing the Department of Human Services to provide to the West Virginia Department of Education and county boards of education information regarding available post-secondary transition programs and services for students with current or former foster care experience. ARTICLE 5. COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION. §18-5-55. Foster youth post-secondary transition support. (a) Information sharing by the Department of Human Services. - The Department of Human Servic.

Status: Passed both chambers, March 12, 2026

What the bill says

To amend the code of Wes Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §18-5-55, relating to foster children; and authorizing the Department of Human Services to provide to the West Virginia Department of Education and county boards of education information regarding available post-secondary transition programs and services for students with current or former foster care experience. ARTICLE 5. COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION. §18-5-55. Foster youth post-secondary transition support. (a) Information sharing by the Department of Human Services. - The Department of Human Servic.

From the engrossed text, February 11, 2026:

A BILL to amend the code of Wes Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §18-5-55, relating to foster children; and authorizing the Department of Human Services to provide to the West Virginia Department of Education and county boards of education information regarding available post-secondary transition programs and services for students with current or former foster care experience. ARTICLE 5. COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION. §18-5-55. Foster youth post-secondary transition support. (a) Information sharing by the Department of Human Services. - The Department of Human Services ("DoHS") shall, using electronic communication to minimize cost, provide to the West Virginia Department of Education and county boards of education information regarding available post-secondary transition programs and services for students with current or former foster care experience. (b) The information shared under this subsection may include, but is not limited (2) Workforce training and career technical programs; (3) Housing assistance and independent living services; (4) Financial aid, scholarships, and tuition assistance; (5) Counseling, mentoring, and support services; and (6) Any other state or federally funded transitional programs available to foster youth. (c) Continued direct communication permitted. - Nothing in this section shall prohibit the Department of Human Services from continuing to share information directly with students in foster care and their foster families or legal guardians as part of routine case …

Read the full official text

West Virginia HB4573: Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act

What the bill says

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