Committee advances bill allowing former degree holders to qualify for WV Invest grants for EMS training

Summary

Senate Bill 631 would allow individuals who previously earned a postsecondary degree to be eligible for a West Virginia Invest grant if they seek an associate degree or certificate in an eligible emergency medical services program; the committee reported the bill to the full Senate with a finance referral.

The committee agreed to a measure that would create an exception to a West Virginia Invest grant eligibility rule: an individual who previously earned a postsecondary degree could still qualify for a WV Invest grant if the individual seeks an associate degree or certificate in an eligible emergency medical services postsecondary program.

Counsel summarized the bill as a narrow exception to the WV Invest program’s existing restriction that generally disqualifies prior degree holders. Committee members offered no amendments during the hearing. The vice chair moved that Senate Bill 631 be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass and, under original double committee reference, first be referred to the Committee on Finance. The motion carried by voice vote.

Sponsors framed the bill as a workforce development step to help recruit and train EMS personnel by enabling individuals who previously completed postsecondary education to reenter training for emergency medical services certifications or associate degrees and thereby bolster the EMS workforce.