Senate committee advances 'Recharge West Virginia' upskilling reimbursement bill

The Senate Committee on Economic Development voted to report House Bill 4,004 to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass, but under its original double committee reference be referred first to the Committee on Finance. Vice Chair (Senator from Randolph) moved the recommendation and the chair put the question, which passed by voice vote.

Counsel told the committee the bill would amend the West Virginia Code by adding the Recharge West Virginia Act and authorize the Division of Economic Development to reimburse qualifying employers for the costs of providing upskill training when an eligible employee obtains an upskilled credential and receives a qualifying wage increase. Counsel said funds for the program would be subject to legislative appropriation and that awards would be limited to no more than $10,000 per employee and no more than $50,000 per qualifying employer in any fiscal year.

Under the bill’s definitions, a qualifying employer must be registered in West Virginia with the Secretary of State, hold a letter of good standing with the state workforce entity referenced in the bill, and be physically located in the state. An eligible employee must have resided in West Virginia and been employed full time for the preceding six months. Counsel said a qualifying wage increase must be at least 25% greater than the employee’s average gross weekly wage for the six calendar months preceding the training.

Counsel also described the program’s process: the Division of Economic Development would develop an application and review procedure, and upon a preliminary award the employer must enter into a grant agreement and sponsor a current employee to obtain an upskill credential within six months. If the Division is satisfied the credential was obtained, the employee’s wage increased and all agreement requirements were met, the Division would grant the award. Counsel said the Division would also propose legislative and emergency rules to implement the program. A fiscal note was noted and the bill carries a second reference to Finance.

Supporters framed the bill as an incentive to help West Virginia employers retain and advance workers through targeted training, while the referral to Finance indicates the measure will receive additional fiscal review. The committee’s action sends the bill to the full Senate and to the Finance Committee for further consideration.