summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Gender in Athletics Act. Provides that in any intercollegiate athletic activity that is subject to rules, standards, or classifications that provide for student eligibility restrictions in order to ensure, enhance, or promote fair competition, each public institution of higher education shall make all determinations based on sex and not on gender. Grants rulemaking authority to the Board of High Education to implement and enforce the Act. Amends the School Code. Provides that no school district or nonpublic school whose students or teams compete against a school district or nonpublic school may operate, sponsor, or facilitate interscholastic or intramural athletics that permit a person whose gender is male to participate in any interscholastic or intramural athletics that are designated for females. Allows a student who is aggrieved by an alleged violation or anticipated violation to have the right to file a grievance complaint with the school district or nonpublic school for an immediate determination of whether a violation or anticipated violation exists. Provides that if a violation or anticipated violation is determined to exist, the school district or nonpublic school shall issue a decision immediately and may direct that such violation be terminated or adjusted to prevent a further violation, but if the grievance is rejected, the complaining party has the right to an immediate appeal to the State Board of Education for relief.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Gender in Athletics Act, establishes strict guidelines for athletic participation in public higher education institutions and K-12 schools in Illinois based on biological sex. The legislation defines "sex" as solely referring to biological distinctions between male and female, and requires that all intercollegiate athletic eligibility determinations be made based on biological sex rather than gender identity. For K-12 schools, the bill prohibits individuals whose biological sex is male from participating in female-designated interscholastic or intramural athletics. The bill provides a grievance mechanism for students who believe a violation has occurred, allowing them to file a complaint with their school's governing body and, if unsatisfied, appeal to the State Board of Education. The Board of Higher Education is granted rulemaking authority to implement and enforce the act. By explicitly defining gender based on biological characteristics at birth and restricting athletic participation accordingly, the bill aims to what its proponents would argue is ensuring fair competition, though it represents a significant and controversial approach to gender and sports participation.
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Neil Anderson (on 04/21/2025)
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.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2079&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB2079.htm |
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