HB4999 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to crimes against athletic officials.

What is the status of HB4999?

Signed into law as of March 27, 2026. Latest action: Chapter 107, Acts, Regular Session, 2026 (June 29, 2026).

Who sponsored HB4999?

Browning, Ryan (R, 028), with 6 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB4999?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4999&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia HB4999: Relating to crimes against athletic officials

Q: What does HB4999 do?

In its own words: An act to amend and reenact §61-2-15a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to crimes against athletic officials; clarifying that victims include participants; establishing minimum fines; creating and clarifying definitions; authorizing a person convicted of the offenses to be banned from certain sports events; requiring written notice to the person banned; establishing that a violation of the ban is a form of trespass; creating certain exemptions for participating athletes; and creating criminal penalties. ARTICLE 2. CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON. §61-2-15a. Assault, battery on.

Status: Signed into law, March 27, 2026

What the bill says

An act to amend and reenact §61-2-15a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to crimes against athletic officials; clarifying that victims include participants; establishing minimum fines; creating and clarifying definitions; authorizing a person convicted of the offenses to be banned from certain sports events; requiring written notice to the person banned; establishing that a violation of the ban is a form of trespass; creating certain exemptions for participating athletes; and creating criminal penalties. ARTICLE 2. CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON. §61-2-15a. Assault, battery on.

From the enrolled text, March 14, 2026:

AN ACT to amend and reenact §61-2-15a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to crimes against athletic officials; clarifying that victims include participants; establishing minimum fines; creating and clarifying definitions; authorizing a person convicted of the offenses to be banned from certain sports events; requiring written notice to the person banned; establishing that a violation of the ban is a form of trespass; creating certain exemptions for participating athletes; and creating criminal penalties. ARTICLE 2. CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON. §61-2-15a. Assault, battery on athletic officials or participants; penalties. (a) If any person commits an assault as defined in §61-2-9(b) of this code to the person of an athletic official or participant during the time the official or person is acting as an athletic official or participant, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $250, nor more than $500 or confined in jail not more than six months, or both fined and confined. (b) If any person commits a battery, as defined in §61-2-9(c) of this code against an athletic official or participant during the time the official or person is acting as an athletic official or participant, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $500, nor …

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West Virginia HB4999: Relating to crimes against athletic officials

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