This bill aims to amend and update several sections of the Code of West Virginia related to the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC). Key provisions include clarifying the commission's rulemaking authority, allowing it to revoke coaching credentials for coaches found guilty of illegally recruiting student athletes, and modifying rules regarding athletic eligibility for students transferring schools. Specifically, the bill mandates that the WVSSAC must adjust its rules to permit students to transfer schools and retain athletic eligibility, with specific guidelines for eighth-grade students transitioning to ninth grade. Additionally, it introduces a new section that outlines eligibility criteria for incoming ninth graders based on their academic performance in eighth grade.

The bill also updates definitions within the State Administrative Procedures Act to include the WVSSAC as an agency responsible for rulemaking. It emphasizes the need for the commission to establish reasonable rules for the control and regulation of interscholastic athletic events and extracurricular activities, ensuring that private and parochial schools can participate under the same terms as public schools. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the governance of secondary school athletics in West Virginia by providing clearer guidelines and maintaining fair competition standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-25, 18-2-25e, 29A-3A-1, 18-2-25f