The bill proposes to repeal the existing section 163.048 of Missouri law and replace it with a new section that outlines regulations for student participation in athletic competitions based on biological sex. It defines "athletics" as interscholastic games and competitions and establishes that "sex" refers to the male and female categories based on reproductive biology at birth. The bill emphasizes the importance of providing equitable athletic opportunities for females to address historical discrimination and prohibits students from competing in sports designated for the opposite biological sex, as stated on their birth certificates or other government records. However, it allows female students to compete in male-designated competitions if no female equivalent is available. Additionally, the bill stipulates that institutions violating these regulations will lose state funding and outlines the legal recourse available to students or guardians who are denied athletic opportunities due to violations. It mandates the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to create necessary rules for implementation while ensuring compliance with confidentiality laws regarding student medical information. Notably, the previous expiration clause for this section has been removed, indicating that the provisions will remain in effect indefinitely unless amended or repealed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (5982H.01): 163.048