Bill
Bill > LD868
ME LD868
ME LD868An Act to Ensure Equity and Safety in Athletics, Restrooms, Changing Rooms and Housing at Elementary, Secondary and Postsecondary Schools
summary
Introduced
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
In Committee
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill requires that interscholastic and intramural athletic teams or sports that are sponsored by public schools, public charter schools, public postsecondary education institutions or schools they compete against be designated as male, female or coed. The bill also prohibits students who are male from participating in an athletic team or sport designated as a female team or sport. The bill requires public schools, public charter schools and public postsecondary education institutions to designate restrooms, changing rooms and sleeping quarters as for use by either only females or only males with limited exceptions. The bill provides that an individual may have a private cause of action against a public school, public charter school, public postsecondary education institution, private school, private postsecondary education institution or athletic association or organization under certain circumstances as a result of a knowing violation of these provisions.
AI Summary
This bill establishes strict guidelines for sex-based designations in educational institutions, focusing on athletic teams and facilities. It defines "sex" as the biological condition of being male or female at birth and requires interscholastic and intramural athletic teams to be explicitly designated as male, female, or coed, with female teams explicitly prohibited from allowing male participants. The bill mandates that public and charter schools, as well as postsecondary institutions, designate multi-occupancy restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters exclusively for either males or females, with individuals only permitted to use facilities matching their biological sex. The legislation provides individuals with a private right of action to sue if they experience harm from violations of these provisions, including potential compensation for psychological, emotional, or physical damages, attorney's fees, and other relief. Exceptions are made for specific scenarios like maintenance, medical assistance, emergency situations, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities or those requiring aid. The bill aims to ensure sex-specific privacy and safety in educational settings, with legal mechanisms to enforce these requirements.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (9)
Elizabeth Caruso (R)*,
John Eder (R),
Brad Farrin (R),
Gary Friedmann (D),
Stacey Guerin (R),
Ben Hymes (R),
Marianne Moore (R),
Jennifer Poirier (R),
Katrina Smith (R),
Last Action
House: C-A (H-691) - House: C-A (H-691) (on 03/11/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=868&snum=132 |
| House: C-A (H-691) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0554&item=2&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: C-A (H-691) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN086802.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0554&item=1&snum=132 |
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