Bill > HB221

This bill amends Georgia's education code to provide enhanced protections and opportunities for equal athletic participation across genders in public schools. The legislation strengthens existing rules prohibiting gender discrimination in school athletics by requiring local school systems to provide comparable and equivalent resources for male and female athletic teams, including funds, facilities, equipment, coaching, and other support. The bill introduces a new private right of action for students who believe they have been denied athletic opportunities or suffered harm due to gender discrimination, allowing them to seek injunctive relief and potentially recover legal fees. School systems must now take "all steps reasonably necessary" to ensure equal athletic opportunities, which includes careful consideration of factors like equipment provision, facility access, game scheduling, travel allowances, coaching quality, and publicity. The bill also requires the Department of Education to publish an annual report detailing athletic expenditures and participation rates by gender. Additionally, the legislation maintains provisions for separate teams based on competitive skill or in contact sports, while still promoting broader opportunities for participation. The bill aims to create more transparent and equitable athletic programs in Georgia's public schools, giving students clear pathways to address potential discriminatory practices.

Education

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69774