West VirginiaHB 49992026 Regular SessionHouse

Relating to crimes against athletic officials

Sponsored By: Ryan Browning (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§61-2-15A

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

One-year school sports ban after conviction

Beginning June 12, 2026, a county school board or state college board can ban anyone convicted under this law from all school sports events for at least one year. The board must give written notice. If the banned person refuses to leave when asked, they can be prosecuted for trespass under state law.

Penalties for assaulting sports officials and players

Beginning June 12, 2026, assaulting or battering an athletic official or participant during a game is a misdemeanor. Assault is punishable by a $250 to $500 fine, up to six months in jail, or both. Battery is punishable by a $500 to $1,000 fine, up to one year in jail, or both. Covered people include players, referees, umpires, coaches, school administrators, assistant coaches, and other official team members during the event.

Players protected for normal in-game fouls

Beginning June 12, 2026, players are not charged under this law for acts during play that fit the sport’s rules or nature. This includes hard fouls and other normal in-game contact.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Ryan Browning
Republican • House

Cosponsors

James Robert "JB" Akers II
Republican • House
Jeff Campbell
Republican • House
David Cannon
Republican • House
Dave Foggin
Republican • House
David McCormick
Republican • House
Jeffrey Stephens
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 285 • No: 33

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 642)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 409)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/17/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 111)

Yes: 93 • No: 0

House vote • 2/17/2026

Delegate Hornbuckle's request to suspend rules to be added as a co-sponsor failed (Roll No. 110)

Yes: 62 • No: 33

Actions Timeline

Approved by Governor 3/27/2026
3/30/2026House
To Governor 3/25/2026
3/25/2026House
House received Senate message
3/14/2026House
House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 642)
3/14/2026House
Communicated to Senate
3/14/2026House
Completed legislative action
3/14/2026House
House Message received
3/14/2026Senate
To Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate Journal
3/14/2026Senate
Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - House Journal
3/14/2026House
Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - Senate Journal
3/14/2026Senate
On 3rd reading
3/10/2026Senate
Read 3rd time
3/10/2026Senate
Passed Senate (Roll No. 409)
3/10/2026Senate
Senate requests House to concur
3/10/2026Senate
Read 2nd time
3/9/2026Senate
Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)
3/9/2026Senate
On 2nd reading
3/6/2026Senate
Read 2nd time
3/6/2026Senate
Committee amendment reported
3/6/2026Senate
Laid over on 2nd reading 3/6/2026, com. amend pending
3/6/2026Senate
On 1st reading
3/5/2026Senate
Read 1st time
3/5/2026Senate
Reported do pass, with amendment
3/4/2026Senate
Introduced in Senate
2/18/2026Senate
To Judiciary
2/18/2026Senate

Bill Text

Committee Substitute
HTML PDF
Engrossed
HTML PDF
Enrolled
HTML PDF
Introduced Version
HTML PDF

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