House Bill 3488 aims to establish the West Virginia Homeschool Student Athletics Participation Act, which allows homeschool students to participate in interscholastic athletic competitions alongside member schools of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC). The bill outlines that homeschool students, who are part of organized athletic teams, can compete in regular-season contests against WVSSAC member schools, provided that their organizations adhere to similar health, safety, and eligibility requirements as those of the member schools. However, it specifies that homeschool teams will not be included in official WVSSAC rankings, standings, or postseason competitions, ensuring that their participation does not impact the competitive integrity of the member schools.

The bill includes provisions for the implementation and oversight of these activities by the WVSSAC, which will provide guidance to member schools on incorporating homeschool team participation. It also establishes a process for resolving disputes related to the application of the new section, with appeals directed 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 deemed invalid or unenforceable.

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