Bill > SB50

This bill, known as the Fairness in Girls' Sports Act, requires that all interscholastic or intramural junior varsity or varsity athletic teams and sports sponsored by public or nonpublic high schools in Maryland be explicitly designated as either boys', male, or men's; girls', female, or women's; or coeducational or mixed. It defines "student of the female sex" as a student whose biological sex is female and "student of the male sex" as a student whose biological sex is male. Crucially, the bill prohibits students of the male sex from participating on athletic teams or sports designated for girls, females, or women. Furthermore, it prevents governmental entities, licensing or accrediting organizations, or athletic associations from taking adverse actions against schools for maintaining separate teams for female students. Students who are denied athletic opportunities or suffer harm due to a violation of this section, or who face retaliation for reporting a violation, are granted the right to bring a civil lawsuit against the school or athletic organization involved. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and includes provisions for severability and maximum legal effect if any part is found invalid.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0050?ys=2026RS