The bill aims to enhance the competitiveness and fairness of girls' interscholastic athletic activities in Washington state. It emphasizes the importance of girls' sports in public education, highlighting their role in fostering excellence, teamwork, and lasting relationships. The legislation clarifies the responsibilities of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) and other nonprofit entities in regulating participation in girls' athletics to promote fair competition and safety. Amendments to RCW 28A.600.200 include provisions for school district boards to delegate authority to the WIAA, ensuring that any rules governing student participation are written and provide fair notice and opportunities for contesting decisions.

Additionally, the bill introduces new sections that mandate the WIAA to adopt competitiveness rules aimed at ensuring fair competition in girls' athletics, taking into account physiological and hormonal variations among athletes. These rules must not authorize sex verification processes but may include hormone level sampling to assess competitive advantages. Importantly, the legislation clarifies that decisions made under these competitiveness rules do not constitute unlawful discrimination, thereby protecting the integrity of the rules while maintaining distinct boys' and girls' teams in interscholastic athletics.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.600.200