Bill > HB156

This bill, known as the Fairness in Girls' Sports Act, establishes regulations for interscholastic and intramural junior varsity and varsity athletic teams in Maryland's public and nonpublic high schools. The bill defines students based on biological sex and requires that athletic teams be expressly designated as boys'/male, girls'/female, or coeducational teams. Specifically, teams designated as "girls'" or "female" teams may not include students of the male sex. The legislation prohibits governmental entities, licensing organizations, and athletic associations from taking adverse actions against schools that maintain separate athletic teams based on biological sex. The bill also provides a legal mechanism for students who are deprived of athletic opportunities or experience retaliation to file civil lawsuits within two years of the incident. Potential remedies for successful legal actions include monetary damages (covering psychological, emotional, and physical harm), attorney's fees, and other court-determined relief. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes provisions to preserve the maximum legal effect of its provisions even if some parts are found invalid by a court.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0156?ys=2025RS