This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to clarify the jurisdiction for legal proceedings involving the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC). Specifically, it establishes that any civil action in which the WVSSAC or its representatives are defendants must be filed in the circuit court of Wood County. However, if the plaintiff is domiciled in Wood County, the action should instead be brought in the circuit court of Kanawha County. This change aims to streamline the legal process and provide clear guidelines for where such cases should be adjudicated.

In addition to the jurisdictional clarification, the bill maintains existing provisions regarding the authority of county boards of education and the WVSSAC in regulating interscholastic athletic events and extracurricular activities. It also outlines eligibility criteria for students receiving home instruction, participating in the Hope Scholarship Program, or enrolled in microschools or learning pods, ensuring they can participate in activities at their local public secondary schools. The bill emphasizes the importance of compliance with the commission's rules and the necessity for students to demonstrate academic progress to be eligible for participation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-25