Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on March 31 that he has signed House Bill 4425 into law, enabling the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (SSAC) to implement a revised student-athlete transfer rule. The updated policy allows student-athletes who transfer during their freshman or sophomore years to retain eligibility, while restrictions remain for upperclassmen. The rule applies equally to all students, including those participating through homeschool and scholarship programs.
The new legislation is significant for families and communities involved in high school sports across the state. It aims to balance flexibility for families with the preservation of competitive integrity and local traditions.
“The SSAC is adopting a more flexible, common-sense approach,” Governor Morrisey said. “This new rule makes improvements to the previous policy – giving families greater flexibility while protecting competitive integrity and strengthening the communities that rally around their homegrown athletes. That is why I am proud to sign House Bill 4425 into law today.”
Morrisey also highlighted the importance of community spirit tied to local athletics: “For many communities, high school sports are just as much about competition as they are about watching young athletes grow up together, representing their hometowns, and building pride in their schools,” he said. “This framework preserves that tradition while recognizing the realities families face today.” According to his office, recent weeks included engagement with SSAC leadership encouraging a more nuanced standard following legislative changes.
U.S. Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) has also been active in supporting youth programs and constituent engagement through his office according to the official website. Justice previously served as governor of West Virginia with an emphasis on economic growth according to the official website, before being elected as U.S. senator from West Virginia according to the official website. He holds undergraduate and MBA degrees from Marshall University according to the official website where he captained the golf team according to the official website. Justice’s lifelong residency in West Virginia informs his work as senator according to the official website.
Justice serves on several committees dedicated to fostering community development and economic vitality; he ran on a platform emphasizing job creation and infrastructure enhancements. He revitalized The Greenbrier Resort through strategic investments, establishing it as a venue for professional golf tournaments among other events; he also oversees Justice Family Farms promoting employment opportunities and agricultural excellence according to the official website.
