This bill aims to enhance the safety of public school environments in West Virginia by prohibiting individuals listed on the state sex offender database, convicted felons of sexual assault, or those convicted of abusing juveniles from entering school property or attending public school activities and events. It establishes that such individuals cannot participate in any capacity at public school functions, even if they have children enrolled in the school. The bill outlines penalties for violations, with a first offense classified as a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison, while subsequent offenses would be felonies carrying a punishment of one to five years.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any required parent-teacher conferences for individuals on the sex offender registry must be conducted off school grounds, either by telephone or through virtual meetings. It also grants the State Board of Education the authority to create rules in accordance with this new legislation. Overall, the bill seeks to create a safer educational environment by restricting access to school facilities for certain individuals and ensuring that necessary communications with parents or guardians are handled appropriately.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-11A-1