House Bill 3488 aims to establish the West Virginia Homeschool Student Athletics Participation Act, which allows homeschool students who are part of organized athletic teams to compete in interscholastic sports against member schools of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC). The bill outlines that while these homeschool teams can participate in regular-season contests, they will not be included in official WVSSAC rankings, standings, or postseason competitions. The legislation includes definitions for key terms such as "Homeschool Student," "Homeschool Organization," and "Member School," and sets forth guidelines for participation, including adherence to health, safety, and eligibility requirements similar to those of WVSSAC member schools.

The bill also mandates that the WVSSAC oversee the implementation of this section, ensuring that homeschool organizations meet eligibility criteria and providing guidance to member schools on incorporating homeschool team participation. Any disputes arising from the application of this section will be reviewed by a designated committee, with appeals available to the West Virginia State Board of Education. The act is set to take effect 30 days after its passage and approval by the Governor, and it includes a severability clause to maintain the validity of the remaining provisions if any part is found invalid.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-15h