Bill > HB624

This bill modifies guidelines for student participation in athletic competitions based on biological sex, establishing that students must compete in athletic contests corresponding to their sex as recorded on their official birth certificate. The bill defines "athletics" as interscholastic competitions and "sex" as the biological categories of male and female determined at birth. It prohibits schools and postsecondary institutions from allowing students to compete in athletics designated for the opposite biological sex, with one exception: female students may compete in male-designated competitions if no female competition is available. Schools that violate this provision would lose state funding, and students or their guardians who are denied athletic opportunities due to non-compliance can seek legal remedies, including injunctive relief and attorney's fees. The bill's rationale emphasizes addressing historical disparities in athletic participation between males and females, declaring it state policy to ensure sufficient athletic opportunities for females. The legislation requires state education departments to create implementation rules while maintaining student medical information confidentiality, and includes provisions to ensure the law's provisions remain valid even if specific parts are challenged.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB624&year=2025&code=R