Bill Title: Youth Sports and College Athletics Transgender Athlete Segregation Act
Preamble:
Whereas, maintaining fairness and integrity in youth sports and college athletics is essential for ensuring a positive and inclusive athletic environment; and
Whereas, addressing concerns surrounding the participation of transgender athletes in competitive sports necessitates clear guidelines to uphold fair competition and safeguard the rights and opportunities of all athletes; and
Whereas, establishing appropriate standards for the segregation of transgender athletes in sports activities can uphold the principles of fair competition while promoting inclusivity and respect for all participants; now, therefore,
Section 1: Definitions
(a) "Youth Sports" refers to organized sports activities involving children and adolescents, typically organized by schools, community organizations, or sports clubs.
(b) "College Athletics" refers to competitive sports programs sponsored by colleges and universities, including intercollegiate athletics and intramural sports.
(c) "Transgender Athlete" refers to an individual who has undergone or is undergoing physical transition to align with their gender identity.
Section 2: Transgender Athlete Segregation Requirements
(a) Youth sports organizations and college athletics programs shall establish policies and procedures for segregating transgender athletes in competitive sports activities.
(b) Transgender athletes who have begun physical transition shall compete in a separate category designated specifically for transgender athletes.
(c) In the event that participation numbers do not allow for the creation of a separate transgender category, transgender athletes shall compete in male sports categories.
(d) Transgender athletes shall not be eligible to compete in female sports categories.
Section 3: Implementation
(a) Youth sports organizations and college athletics programs shall implement the provisions of this act within six months of its effective date.
(b) Educational institutions and athletic associations shall provide educational resources and training to coaches, administrators, athletes, and parents on issues related to transgender inclusion in sports and the importance of promoting fairness, respect, and inclusion for all participants.
Section 4: Compliance and Enforcement
(a) Youth sports organizations, college athletics programs, and educational institutions shall ensure compliance with the provisions of this act and take appropriate measures to address any violations or disputes related to transgender athlete segregation in sports activities.
(b) The state athletic association or governing body overseeing youth sports and college athletics shall monitor compliance with this act and provide guidance and support to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all athletes.
Section 5: Effective Date
This act shall take effect on July 1, 2025, immediately following its passage into law.
Section 6: Severability
If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected.
Section 7: Repeal of Conflicting Provisions
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this act are hereby repealed.
Section 8: Enactment
This act shall be enacted into law upon approval by the Governor.
Sponsor: Michael Holloman
Co-Sponsors: TBD
Date Introduced: TBD
Status: DRAFT