Bill repealing 2023 high school sports transfer law passes West Virginia Legislature

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — A bill that would end immediate athletic eligibility for high school transfers and revert rules back to as they were prior to 2023 has passed the West Virginia Legislature.

The legislation, House Bill 4425, addresses a 2023 law passed by the legislature that allows high school athletes to transfer schools and be immediately eligible to play.

HB 4425 would revert the rules back to as they were prior to 2023, requiring transferring student-athletes to sit out a year before regaining eligibility.

Supporters of the change back to previous rule have said the current transfer rule has created competitive imbalances among schools.

The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, which oversees athletics in the state, has expressed support for repealing the 2023 law. It released a statement Friday following the passage of the bill.

“The WVSSAC appreciates the West Virginia Legislature for its action to repeal the current transfer statute. The Commission thanks members of both the House of Delegates and the Senate for their diligence and for recognizing the importance of maintaining a clear and consistent framework for interscholastic athletics across the state.

With today’s vote by the Senate, the WVSSAC will move forward with the process of promulgating a transfer rule that provides school choice for families while establishing reasonable guidelines that support competitive balance and stability for member schools.

The WVSSAC remains committed to doing what is best for student-athletes, schools, and communities across West Virginia.”

HB 4425 passed the House of Delegates by a 78-19 vote. It passed the Senate 20-14 on Friday and now heads to the governor’s desk.