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IL HB4027

IL HB4027
INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS-TEAM


summary

Introduced
03/18/2025
In Committee
03/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

104th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Amends the Interscholastic Athletic Organization Act. Provides that a public school or public postsecondary educational institution that offers, operates, or sponsors interscholastic or intercollegiate athletics shall provide equal athletic opportunities for members of both sexes. Provides that a school may operate or sponsor single-sex teams if the selection for such teams is based upon competitive skill or the activity involved is a contact sport. Provides that a school that participates in competitions or athletic events with or against other schools shall designate each team, competition, or athletic event as (i) for males, men, or boys; (ii) for females, women, or girls; or (iii) coeducational or mixed. Provides that a school or athletic association that is participating in a competition or an athletic event with or against another school that operates, sponsors, or permits athletic events or competitions may not allow any male to compete for, against, or with a team designated for females, women, or girls. Provides that a school or athletic association that operates, sponsors, or permits athletic events or competitions may not allow certain actions. Provides that a governmental entity, licensing or accrediting organization, athletic association, or school may not consider a complaint, open an investigation, or take adverse action against a school for complying with the amendatory provisions. Provides for private causes of action. Makes other changes.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the Riley Gaines Act, aims to establish clear guidelines for interscholastic athletics regarding sex-based participation and opportunities. The bill defines "sex" as biological sex determined at or near birth and provides that public schools and educational institutions must offer equal athletic opportunities for both sexes. Schools may operate single-sex teams based on competitive skill or for contact sports, and must designate teams, competitions, and athletic events as either for males, females, or coeducational. The bill prohibits males from competing on, receiving roster spots on, or receiving scholarships for teams designated for females. It allows males to practice with female teams without displacing female athletes and provides that a participant's birth certificate can be used to establish athletic eligibility. The legislation includes important protections, such as preventing governmental entities or athletic associations from taking adverse actions against schools complying with the law. Additionally, the bill creates private legal pathways for individuals who are deprived of athletic opportunities or subjected to retaliation, allowing them to seek injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and attorney's fees. Any legal actions must be commenced within one year of the events giving rise to the complaint.

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. John M. Cabello (on 05/05/2025)

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