The bill amends existing laws regarding participation in school sports, specifically prohibiting students of the male sex from competing on teams designated for students of the female sex, and extends this prohibition to institutions of higher education. It introduces new legal language that establishes whistleblower protections for individuals who report violations, as well as a cause of action for students and schools harmed by such violations. The bill also removes governmental immunity in cases of negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts by public employees related to these violations.

Additionally, the bill includes several amendments to definitions and participation criteria in athletic activities, expanding the definition of "interscholastic athletic activity" to include collegiate-level sports and clarifying that schools encompass both secondary and higher education institutions. It provides for private causes of action for students and schools affected by violations, allowing them to seek injunctive relief, damages, and attorney fees. The bill repeals alternate procedures for determining student eligibility and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-25-101, 21-25-102, 16-4-405, 21-25-201, 21-25-204