The proposed bill, known as the "Womens Collegiate Sports Protection Act," aims to establish permanent protections for women's collegiate Olympic sports programs in West Virginia through the creation of endowment funding. It includes provisions for efficiency-based matching funds, tax credits for private contributions, and ensures compliance with Title IX. The bill outlines definitions for key terms, such as "eligible institution" and "verified cost savings," and establishes a framework for the creation and management of women's athletics endowments, which can only be used for specific expenses related to women's sports programs.

Additionally, the bill mandates oversight and reporting requirements for participating institutions, including annual reports detailing cost savings and contributions, and allows the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to promulgate rules for implementation. The effective date for the bill is set for July 1 following its passage. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the financial stability and sustainability of women's collegiate sports in the state while promoting accountability and compliance with federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-23-1, 18B-23-2, 18B-23-3, 18B-23-4, 18B-23-5, 18B-23-6, 18B-23-7, 18B-23-8, 18B-23-9, 18B-23-10
Committee Substitute: 18B-23-1, 18B-23-2, 18B-23-3, 18B-23-4, 18B-23-5, 18B-23-6, 18B-23-7, 18B-23-8, 18B-23-9, 18B-23-10