HB 2774
Coach Protection Act
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the Coach Protection Act, aims to strengthen penalties for assaults and battery against athletic officials and participants during sports events in West Virginia. It clarifies who is considered an ‘athletic official or participant,’ establishes minimum jail sentences for offenses, and allows for bans from state school sports events for convicted individuals. The bill also requires written notification to those banned and considers refusal to leave a sports event as trespassing.
Key provisions
- Increases minimum jail penalties for assault and battery against athletic officials and participants.
- Defines ‘athletic official or participant’ to include players, referees, coaches, and other event supervisors.
- Authorizes a county board of education or governing board for higher education to ban convicted individuals from state school sports events.
- Requires written notification to the banned individual.
- Treats refusal to leave a sports event as a form of trespass.
- Creates criminal penalties for offenses against officials and participants.
- Establishes a minimum ban period of 365 days for convicted individuals.
Who is affected
- Athletic officials (e.g., referees, umpires)
- Sports participants (e.g., athletes)
- School districts (specifically county boards of education)
- State institutions of higher education
- Individuals convicted of assault or battery during sports events
Notable changes
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