summary
Introduced
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
In Committee
03/10/2025
03/10/2025
Crossed Over
03/06/2025
03/06/2025
Passed
04/12/2025
04/12/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/30/2025
04/30/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §18-5-29, relating to prohibiting instruction related to sexual orientation and gender identity; setting forth definitions; creating exceptions to prohibition against instruction; prohibiting a public school and the county board employees assigned to the school from knowingly giving false or misleading information to the parent, custodian, or guardian of a student regarding the student’s gender identity or intention to transition to a gender that is different than the student’s biological sex; requiring a public school employee to report a student's request for an accommodation that is intended to affirm the student's gender identity from a person employed by the public school to an administrator employed by the county board and assigned to the school; requiring the administrator to report the student's request to the student’s parent, custodian, or guardian; providing that a complaint may be filed in pursuant to state board rule for violations of these provisions, providing that school personnel found in violation of this section may be subjected to discipline or dismissal pursuant statute; providing that the state board, in consultation with the Higher Education Policy Commission, shall promulgate rules to implement section; allowing the Attorney General to enforce compliance; and providing that the provisions of this act are severable.
AI Summary
This bill establishes restrictions on sexual orientation and gender identity instruction in West Virginia public schools, defining key terms such as "biological sex" (the sex listed on a birth certificate), "gender identity" (an individual's identification as male, female, or another category), and "sexual orientation" (an individual's perceived sexual orientation). The legislation prohibits instruction related to sexual orientation or gender identity, with specific exceptions: teachers may respond to student questions, refer to sexual orientation or gender identity when providing historical context, address bullying situations, or discuss the topic in advanced placement or dual enrollment courses. The bill requires public school employees to report to school administrators any student requests for gender identity accommodations, and mandates that administrators then inform the student's parent, custodian, or guardian about such requests. School personnel are prohibited from providing false or misleading information about a student's gender identity or transition intentions. Parents can file complaints for violations, and school personnel found in violation may face disciplinary action or dismissal. The West Virginia Board of Education, in consultation with the Higher Education Policy Commission, must develop rules to implement the law, and the Attorney General is authorized to enforce compliance. If any part of the law is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still stand.
Committee Categories
Education, Justice
Sponsors (10)
Amy Grady (R)*,
Vince Deeds (R),
Craig Hart (R),
Brian Helton (R),
Rollan Roberts (R),
Patricia Rucker (R),
Eric Tarr (R),
Darren Thorne (R),
Tom Willis (R),
Jack Woodrum (R),
Last Action
Approved by Governor 4/30/2025 (on 04/30/2025)
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