West Virginia Senate Bill SCR102

West Virginia 2024 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 5/19/24
• Engrossed: 5/19/24
• Enrolled: 5/20/24
• Passed: 5/20/24

Caption

Extending State of Emergency and suspending certain requirements for Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Impact

Should SCR102 pass, it would extend the current state of emergency beyond its original deadline of June 29, 2024, to October 15, 2024, or until the Governor decides to terminate it. This extension is intended to continue the waiver on FAFSA submission requirements, providing a temporary measure that supports students financially impacted by the FAFSA's complications. Legislative discussions point toward a continuing pressing need within West Virginia to ensure that students have equitable access to financial resources necessary for higher education, especially amid technical difficulties faced at the federal level.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 102 (SCR102) proposes an extension of the state of emergency in West Virginia, originally declared by Governor James C. Justice II due to significant challenges faced by students in applying for federal financial aid through the impoverished rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The bill aims to suspend certain regulatory requirements that necessitate the completion of the FAFSA in order to be eligible for state-funded financial aid programs for the duration of this state of emergency. The resolution thus seeks to alleviate the barriers posed to students from the problematic FAFSA implementation which has compromised their access to college funding.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment regarding SCR102 appears to be supportive among education advocates and lawmakers concerned with students' access to financial aid. There is a consensus on the necessity of the measure to protect the education pathway for many West Virginian students. However, some concern may exist regarding the long-term implications of continuing state of emergency declarations and the reliance on such waivers as a solution to educational access issues, rather than addressing the root causes of the problems with the FAFSA process directly.

Contention

The main points of contention around SCR102 revolve around the duration of state of emergency declarations and the implications of continuing to suspend regulatory standards. While many legislators and educational advocates support the urgency to maintain access to financial aid, opponents may raise questions about the long-term viability and repercussions of repeatedly invoking emergency measures. The discussions reflect larger issues regarding education reform and the state's role in ensuring fair access to community and higher education amid systemic challenges.