SB 717 Text

Introduced Version « Senate Bill 717 History

Key: Green = existing Code. Red = new code to be enacted

Senate Bill No. 717
(By Senator Chafin)
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[Introduced February 18, 2008; referred to the Committee on Education; and then to the Committee on Finance.]
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A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article, designated §15-2F-1, §15-2F-2, §15-2F-3 and §15-2F-4, all relating to creating the West Virginia State Police Higher Education Security Act.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new article, designated §15-2F-1, §15-2F-2, §15-2F-3 and §15-2F-4, all to read as follows:
ARTICLE 2F. WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE HIGHER EDUCATION SECURITY ACT.

§15-2F-1. Legislative intent.
It is the intent of this article to enhance the safety and security of our instate, publically funded colleges and universities by increasing the number of certified police officers

patrolling and providing a police presence at the various campuses.

In addition, it is the intent of this article to enhance the higher educational opportunities available to the sworn members of the West Virginia State Police with the goals of attracting and retaining well qualified employees and improving the professionalism of the members through higher education. Nothing in this article provides for free books, housing, meals, parking or any other costs associated with higher education nor does it authorize or permit any member of the West Virginia State Police to be compensated for time spent attending courses, studying or otherwise engaging in their higher education.
§15-2F-2. Tuition free higher education.
Any bona fide, nonprobationary member of the West Virginia State Police may enroll and attend college courses, free of tuition charges, at any publicly funded college or university within the boundaries of this state. Members electing to avail themselves to this educational opportunity are subject to the same entrance, enrollment and acceptance standards applicable to any prospective student.
15-2F-3. Obligation to perform.
Any bona fide, nonprobationary member of the West Virginia State Police attending any institution of higher education under the free tuition authority provided pursuant to this article is obligated to carry out the mission and duties assigned to him or her pursuant to article two, section twelve of this chapter and to do so in accordance with his or her oath of office, pursuant to the provisions of article two, section fourteen of this chapter.

15-2F-4. Responsibility for payment after resignation or discharge from employment within five years.

Any member of the West Virginia State Police enrolled in any institution of higher education and attending courses under this article must continue in the employment of the West Virginia State Police for a minimum of five years following the last day of attendance of his or her higher education enrollment. In the event that his or her employment is terminated due to the members' resignation or termination for misconduct he or she is obligated to reimburse the appropriate college or university for any tuition charges from which he or she was otherwise exempt.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to create the West Virginia State Police Higher Education Security Act.

This article is new; therefore, strike-throughs and underscoring have been omitted.

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