The bill aims to amend the existing law regarding trespassing on the premises of institutions of higher education in West Virginia. It redefines key terms, replacing "student residence premises or student facility" with "premises of an institution of higher education," and clarifies that "premises" includes any property owned, operated, leased, or controlled by such institutions. The definition of "state institution of higher education" is updated to align with existing code, and the previous definitions of authorized persons who may access residence halls or student facilities have been removed.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that allows courts to prohibit individuals convicted of certain violations from being present on the property of a state institution of higher education. This replaces the previous language regarding the unlawful presence of individuals after being asked to leave, and it establishes a clearer legal framework for addressing trespassing incidents. The penalties for remaining on the premises after being asked to leave have been removed, streamlining the enforcement process for trespassing at these institutions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-3B-4