Bill > SB588

This bill, known as the Fairness in Girls' Sports Act, establishes rules for interscholastic and intramural athletic teams in public and nonpublic high schools that compete against public high school teams in Maryland. The bill defines students by their biological sex and requires athletic teams to be expressly designated as boys'/male, girls'/female, or coeducational/mixed teams. Specifically, teams designated as girls' or women's 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 denied athletic opportunities or face retaliation to bring civil actions against their schools, athletic associations, or organizations. Students who believe they have been deprived of an athletic opportunity or have suffered harm due to violations of this act can seek legal recourse. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes provisions to ensure that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remaining sections can still be implemented to the maximum extent possible under law.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0588?ys=2025RS