SB490 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Approving short-term training programs for eligibility for federal Workforce Pell Grants.

What is the status of SB490?

Signed into law as of April 1, 2026. Latest action: Chapter 294, Acts, Regular Session, 2026 (June 25, 2026).

Rucker, Patricia (R, 16), with 3 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB490?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/Bills_history.cfm?input=490&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia SB490: Approving short-term training programs for eligibility for federal Workforce Pell Grants

Q: What does SB490 do?

In its own words: An act to amend and reenact §5B-2B-4 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new article, designated §5B-12-1, §5B-12-2, §5B-12-3, §5B-12-4, §5B-12-5, and §5B-12-6, relating to the Workforce Pell Grant program; directing the West Virginia Workforce Development Board to assist the Governor in determining the eligibility of short-term workforce training programs for Workforce Pell Grants; defining terms; setting out federal criteria for determination of program eligibility; requiring reporting by institutions offering eligible programs; establishing duti.

Status: Signed into law, April 1, 2026

What the bill says

An act to amend and reenact §5B-2B-4 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new article, designated §5B-12-1, §5B-12-2, §5B-12-3, §5B-12-4, §5B-12-5, and §5B-12-6, relating to the Workforce Pell Grant program; directing the West Virginia Workforce Development Board to assist the Governor in determining the eligibility of short-term workforce training programs for Workforce Pell Grants; defining terms; setting out federal criteria for determination of program eligibility; requiring reporting by institutions offering eligible programs; establishing duti.

From the enrolled text, March 12, 2026:

AN ACT to amend and reenact §5B-2B-4 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new article, designated §5B-12-1, §5B-12-2, §5B-12-3, §5B-12-4, §5B-12-5, and §5B-12-6, relating to the Workforce Pell Grant program; directing the West Virginia Workforce Development Board to assist the Governor in determining the eligibility of short-term workforce training programs for Workforce Pell Grants; defining terms; setting out federal criteria for determination of program eligibility; requiring reporting by institutions offering eligible programs; establishing duties of the Workforce Development Board; providing for consistency with applicable federal law; providing for rulemaking; and establishing an effective date. ARTICLE 2B. WEST VIRGINIA WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT. §5B-2B-4. Duties of the Workforce Development Board. (a) The board shall provide information and guidance to local boards and staff, to enable them to better educate both women and men about higher paying jobs and careers including jobs traditionally dominated by men or women. Such guidance shall promote services provided by the local boards for job seekers that (2) Counseling, skills development, and training opportunities that encourage both women and men to seek employment in such jobs; (3) Referral information to employers offering such jobs; or (4) Information regarding the long-term consequences, including lower Social Security benefits or pensions, of choosing jobs that offer lower earnings potential and …

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West Virginia SB490: Approving short-term training programs for eligibility for federal Workforce Pell Grants

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