summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires that participation in school-sanctioned sports be based on biological sex at birth. It provides that public and nonpublic schools, as well as institutions of higher education, designate athletic or sports teams on the basis of biological sex. The bill also prohibits any athletic teams or sports designated for females, women, or girls from being open to males. In the event the sex of a student is disputed, the student will establish sex by presenting a signed physician's statement that indicates the student's sex based solely on (1) the student's internal and external reproductive anatomy; (2) the student's normal endogenously produced levels of testosterone; and (3) an analysis of the student's genetic makeup. A school or institution of higher education would not be subject to investigation or any adverse action for maintaining separate athletic teams or sports for students of the female sex. Students who are deprived of athletic opportunities or suffer any harm as a result of a violation of the provisions of this bill would have a private cause of action for injunctive relief, damages, or other legal remedy permitted by law against the school or institution of higher education. A student subject to retaliation or any adverse action by his or her school, institution of higher education, or athletic association or organization for reporting a violation of the bill would also have a private right of action against the school, institution of higher education, or athletic association or organization. A school or institution of higher education that suffers any harm as a result of a violation of this bill would likewise have a private cause of action for injunctive relief, damages, or other legal remedy permitted by law. Any student, school, or institution of higher education able to bring suit under this bill would be required to bring their claims within two years after the harm occurred. Students or organizations that prevail on any claim brought pursuant to this bill would be entitled to monetary damages, including damages for any psychological, emotional, and physical harm suffered, reasonable attorney's fees and costs, and any other appropriate relief.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Fairness in Women's Sport Act," mandates that participation in school-sanctioned sports, including those at public and nonpublic schools and institutions of higher education, must be determined by a student's biological sex at birth, with athletic teams designated for females, women, or girls being exclusively for individuals assigned female at birth. If a student's sex is questioned, it must be verified by a physician's statement based on reproductive anatomy, natural testosterone levels, and genetic makeup. The bill also states that schools and higher education institutions will not face investigations or penalties for maintaining separate sports teams for female students, and provides a legal avenue for students who are denied athletic opportunities or harmed by violations of this act to sue for damages or other remedies, with a two-year statute of limitations. Furthermore, students who experience retaliation for reporting violations, and schools or institutions that suffer harm due to violations, also gain the right to sue, with prevailing parties entitled to monetary damages, including for emotional and physical harm, and attorney's fees.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1331 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1331_I1.HTM |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S1500/1331_I1.HTM |
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