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HB 2355

Permitting middle or high school students to participate in travel sports teams without repercussion.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Statler

House Bill 2355 protects middle and high school athletes in West Virginia, allowing them to join travel sports without penalties from public school programs.

On 2nd reading, House Calendar
#education(k12)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2355

Summary of House Bill 2355

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 2355
  • Title: Permitting middle or high school students to participate in travel sports teams without repercussion.
  • Status: On 2nd reading, House Calendar
  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Education (K12)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2355 aims to amend the West Virginia Code to prevent the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) from taking any adverse actions against middle or high school student athletes who participate in travel sports. The bill seeks to ensure that student athletes can engage in travel sports without fear of repercussions from their public school athletic programs.

Key Provisions

  1. Protection for Student Athletes:

    • The WVSSAC is prohibited from imposing any penalties or discriminatory actions against students who participate in travel sports.

  2. Notification Requirement:

    • Student athletes must notify both their public school coach and their travel sports coach about their participation in both programs.

  3. Deference to School Programs:

    • In cases of scheduling conflicts between public school athletics and travel sports, student athletes are required to give deference to their public school programs.

  4. Coaching Dual Roles:

    • Public school coaches are allowed to also coach travel sports teams if they choose.

  5. Eligibility for Participation:

    • The bill maintains existing eligibility requirements for student athletes, including compliance with academic standards and disciplinary rules.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • Middle and high school student athletes in West Virginia who participate in travel sports.
    • Public school athletic programs and coaches.

  • Potential Benefits:

    • Increased opportunities for student athletes to compete and develop skills in travel sports without jeopardizing their standing in public school athletics.
    • Encouragement of a more inclusive approach to student participation in sports.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 13, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Education.
  • March 20, 2025: Reported by the Committee on Education.
  • March 24, 2025: Passed by substitute in the House.
  • March 25, 2025: Read for the first time and placed on the Special Calendar.
  • March 26-28, 2025: Underwent multiple readings and was postponed, currently on the 2nd reading of the House Calendar.

Conclusion

House Bill 2355 represents a significant shift in policy regarding student participation in travel sports, aiming to provide protections for student athletes while maintaining the integrity of public school athletic programs. The bill is currently progressing through the legislative process and may have a lasting impact on the landscape of youth sports in West Virginia.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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