WEST virginia legislature

2023 regular session

Introduced

Senate Bill 103

By Senators Tarr, Roberts, Karnes, and Maynard

[Introduced January 11, 2023; referred
to the Committee on the Judiciary; and then to the Committee on Finance]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §61-8D-4b, relating to providing a definition of "drag shows"; prohibiting funding from governmental entities for drag shows; prohibiting minors from being involved in or attending drag shows; and providing for penalties associated with violations of these provisions.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 8D. child abuse.

§61-8D-4b. Definition; prohibition on state funding for drag shows; prohibition on minors at drag shows; penalties.

(a) Drag shows are defined as any event that involve adults engaging in entertainment put on by drag artists, or people who put on clothes and makeup that amplify the appearance of gender to impersonate men or women.

(b) No funds from governmental entities in West Virginia may be used for organizing, promoting, or hosting drag shows for any reason. Any governmental entity found to be in violation of this section may have their funding restricted.

(c) All minors in West Virginia are prohibited from being involved in drag shows for any reason. Additionally, drag shows may not be held in the presence of minors, with the responsibility of checking the appropriate age of attendees to fall upon the organization or group holding the drag show.

(d) Any adult or parental guardian of a minor who violates subsection (c) of this section, or any entity hosting a drag show in violation of the provisions of this section, may be required to complete parenting classes, substance abuse counseling, anger management counseling, or other appropriate services, or any combination thereof, as determined by Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Children and Families through its services assessment evaluation, which shall be submitted to the court of conviction upon written request.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to provide definitions, to prohibit public funding of drag shows in West Virginia, and to prohibit minors from being involved in or attending drag shows.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.