Bill Text: WV SCR8 | 2026 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study access in public secondary schools to athletic trainers
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2026-03-14 - Ordered to House [SCR8 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2026-SCR8-Introduced.html
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 8
(By Senator Fuller)
[Introduced March 11, 2026]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study access in public secondary schools to athletic trainers to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of student athletes in this state and a means to further educational opportunities for persons desiring to train as an athletic trainer.
Whereas, Athletic trainers are essential healthcare professionals who enhance athlete safety by providing immediate emergency care, injury prevention, and rehabilitation, significantly reducing injury severity and recovery time; and
Whereas, Athletic trainers are trained to identify potential injury risks and to implement preventative measures by creating tailored conditioning programs designed to reduce the likelihood of injuries during practice and competition; and
Whereas, Athletic trainers are on-site to provide immediate and often lifesaving care for injuries sustained during public secondary school athletic practices and events, ensuring prompt and effective care, which aids in quicker recovery and prevention; and
Whereas, Athletic trainers offer personalized, evidence-based triage and play a critical role in identifying, assessing, and managing sports-related injuries as the first line of defense; and
Whereas, The presence of an athletic trainers allow initial evaluation and diagnosis and facilitate critical communication link between coaches, other medical professionals, parents, and injured athletes; and
Whereas, Educational opportunities in this state for proper and comprehensive training for athletic trainers are severely limited, leading to a dearth of properly trained and readily available athletic trainers at public secondary school athletic events; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study access in public secondary schools to athletic trainers to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of student athletes in this state, and a means to further educational opportunities for persons desiring to train as an athletic trainer; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance shall submit a report by January 1, 2027, on its findings to the Governor, President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Delegates; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the report shall offer suggestions on expanding the availability of athletic trainers in the public secondary schools and a plan for greater access to sports medicine education in this State; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2027, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft any necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.
