The bill introduced on January 14, 2026, aims to amend and reenact section 18-2-25 of the Code of West Virginia, establishing the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Reform Act. This legislation grants public charter schools the authority to control, supervise, and regulate all extracurricular activities for their students, while allowing them to delegate interscholastic athletic events and band activities to the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission. The commission will now consist of athletic directors or their representatives from participating secondary schools, and it will transition from a nonprofit corporation to a state agency under the state board. The bill also mandates the commission to develop a school classification system based on a competitive balance formula and outlines the appointment process for the executive director, who will oversee rule violations and disputes.

Additionally, the bill modifies eligibility requirements for students from nonpublic schools, including homeschoolers and participants in the Hope Scholarship Program, allowing them to participate in extracurricular activities under the commission's jurisdiction. It removes certain requirements for these students and adjusts the fees they may be charged to align with those of public school students. Existing commission rules will remain in effect until amended or repealed, ensuring a smooth transition to the new regulatory framework. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the governance of extracurricular activities in West Virginia's secondary schools while promoting inclusivity for various student groups.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-25