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HB 2459

Relating to WV Secondary School Activities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Brooks and 8 co-sponsors

HB 2459 empowers the WVSSAC to regulate school activities, allowing home-schooled and alternative students to participate, promoting fairness and inclusivity in West Virginia schools.

To House Education
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Bill Summary · HB 2459

Summary of House Bill 2459: Relating to WV Secondary School Activities

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 2459
- Introduced: February 17, 2025
- Status: To House Education
- Subject: Education (K-12)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2459 aims to amend and reenact §18-2-25 of the West Virginia Code, enhancing the regulatory framework for secondary school activities. The bill seeks to empower the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) to promulgate legislative rules governing interscholastic athletic events and other extracurricular activities for both public and private secondary schools.

Key Provisions

  1. Delegation of Authority:

    • County boards of education can delegate the control and regulation of interscholastic athletic events and band activities to the WVSSAC.
    • The WVSSAC will consist of principals or their representatives from schools that choose to delegate authority.

  2. Rule Promulgation:

    • The WVSSAC is authorized to create legislative rules for the supervision and regulation of activities for private and parochial schools that opt to participate.
    • These rules must be approved by the State Board of Education and will be subject to the same terms and conditions as those for public schools.

  3. Participation of Home-Schooled and Private School Students:

    • Home-schooled students, participants in the Hope Scholarship Program, and those in microschools or learning pods will be eligible to participate in interscholastic activities, provided they meet specific criteria, including:
      • Demonstrating satisfactory academic progress.
      • Being under 19 years of age by August 1 of the current school year.
      • Complying with all relevant disciplinary rules.

  4. Fees and Funding:

    • The bill allows county boards to allocate funds for the WVSSAC and mandates that all funds received by the commission are subject to an annual audit.

  5. Recognition of Preparatory Athletic Programs:

    • Preparatory athletic programs that provide academic instruction will be recognized as nonparticipating members of the commission for national competition purposes, subject to fee requirements.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • Public and private secondary schools in West Virginia.
    • Home-schooled students and those participating in alternative educational programs.
    • The WVSSAC and county boards of education.

  • Potential Benefits:

    • Streamlined regulations for extracurricular activities, promoting fairness and consistency across schools.
    • Increased opportunities for participation in sports and activities for students in alternative educational settings.

Procedural Aspects

  • Timeline:
    • The bill was introduced on February 17, 2025, and referred to the House Education Committee.
    • If passed, the WVSSAC will be required to promulgate rules by December 1, 2025, ensuring that the new regulations are in place for the following school year.

In summary, HB 2459 seeks to modernize and clarify the regulatory framework governing secondary school activities in West Virginia, promoting inclusivity and consistency across educational institutions.

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

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