FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: March 10, 2025 Time Requested: 10:01 AM

Agency: Higher Education Policy Commission CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number: 1191 Introduced HB2527 CBD Subject: Corrections; State Personnel

FUND(S):

General

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund

Legislation creates:

Creates New Expense

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Fiscal Note Summary

Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.

This bill would provide tuition reimbursement at state institutions of higher education for eligible corrections officers.  It sets the terms of eligibility and provides the reimbursement rate.

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Fiscal Note Detail

Effect of Proposal	Fiscal Year
	2025 Increase/Decrease (use"-")	2026 Increase/Decrease (use"-")	Fiscal Year (Upon Full Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost	0	323,700	323,700
Personal Services	0	0	0
Current Expenses	0	323,700	323,700
Repairs and Alterations	0	0	0
Assets	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0
2. Estimated Total Revenues	0	0	0

Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):

There are approximately 2,500 correction officers and similar type of employees in West Virginia. The Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) estimates that one third of the correction officers, or 830 individuals, may take advantage of this opportunity. The average tuition at a WV community and technical college is $4,810. If this path is selected, the individual's tuition and fees would likely be covered by state and federal aid (federal Pell Grant and WV Invests). The average tuition per credit hour at a 4-year institution is $377 per credit hour or $1,130 for one 3-hour credit class. The minimum funding level of federal Pell Grant is set at $740. This leaves approximately $390 left to reimburse per 3-hour credit class. For a total estimated annual cost per each 3-hour credit class after 5 years of employment of $323,700.

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Memorandum

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    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Misty Price
    Email Address: misty.price@wvhepc.edu