This bill aims to enhance the safety of public school environments in West Virginia by prohibiting individuals listed on the state sex offender database from entering school property or attending any public school activities and events. It establishes that such individuals cannot participate in school functions, even if they have children enrolled in the school, without prior permission from the county superintendent. The bill outlines penalties for violations, categorizing a first offense as a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison, while subsequent offenses would be classified as felonies with penalties ranging from one to five years of imprisonment.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any required parent-teacher conferences involving individuals on the sex offender registry must be conducted off school grounds, either by telephone or through virtual meetings. It also grants the State Board of Education the authority to create rules in accordance with this new legislation. Overall, the bill seeks to ensure a safer educational environment by restricting access and participation of registered sex offenders in public school settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-11A-1