This bill amends the existing law regarding trespassing on the premises of institutions of higher education in West Virginia. It removes specific references to "student residence premises" and "student facilities," replacing them with a broader definition of "premises" that includes any property owned, operated, leased, or controlled by an institution of higher education. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of a "state institution of higher education" to align with existing code and eliminates the previous detailed list of individuals authorized to access residence halls or student facilities.
Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision that allows courts to prohibit individuals convicted of certain offenses 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 the associated penalties for such violations. The overall aim of the bill is to clarify the legal framework surrounding trespassing at higher education institutions, ensuring that the definitions and enforcement mechanisms are up-to-date and comprehensive.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 61-3B-4