summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires that participation in school-sanctioned sports be based on biological sex at birth. It provides that public and nonpublic schools, as well as institutions of higher education, designate athletic or sports teams on the basis of biological sex. The bill also prohibits any athletic teams or sports designated for females, women, or girls from being open to male students. In the event the sex of a student is disputed, the student will establish sex by presenting a signed physician's statement that indicates the student's sex based solely on (1) the student's internal and external reproductive anatomy; (2) the student's normal endogenously produced levels of testosterone; and (3) an analysis of the student's genetic makeup. A school or institution of higher education would not be subject to investigation or any adverse action for maintaining separate athletic teams or sports for students of the female sex. Students who are deprived of athletic opportunities or suffer any harm as a result of a violation of the provisions of this bill would have a private cause of action for injunctive relief, damages, or other legal remedy permitted by law against the school or institution of higher education. A student subject to retaliation or any adverse action by his or her school, institution of higher education, or athletic association or organization for reporting a violation of the bill would also have a private right of action against the school, institution of higher education, or athletic association or organization. Schools or institutions of higher education that suffer any harm as a result of a violation of this bill would likewise have a private cause of action for injunctive relief, damages, or other legal remedy permitted by law. Any student, school, or institution of higher education able to bring suit under this bill would be required to bring their claims within two years after the harm occurred. Students or organizations that prevail on any claim brought pursuant to this bill would be entitled to monetary damages, including damages for any psychological, emotional, and physical harm suffered, reasonable attorney's fees and costs, and any other appropriate relief.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," mandates that participation in school-sanctioned sports be determined by a student's biological sex at birth, requiring public and nonpublic schools, as well as higher education institutions, to designate athletic teams accordingly. Specifically, it prohibits male students from participating in athletic teams or sports designated for females, women, or girls. If a student's sex is disputed, it must be established through a physician's statement detailing their reproductive anatomy, normal testosterone levels, and genetic makeup. The bill also shields schools from investigations or adverse actions for maintaining separate female sports teams and grants students who are denied athletic opportunities or suffer harm due to a violation a private right to sue for damages or other legal remedies. Furthermore, students facing retaliation for reporting violations, and schools or institutions harmed by violations, also gain a private right of action, with all claims needing to be filed within two years of the harm occurring, and prevailing parties entitled to damages, attorney fees, and costs.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (11)
Dawn Fantasia (R)*,
Paul Kanitra (R)*,
Greg McGuckin (R)*,
Bob Auth (R),
John Azzariti (R),
Vicky Flynn (R),
Michael Inganamort (R),
Sean Kean (R),
Gregory Myhre (R),
Erik Peterson (R),
Gerry Scharfenberger (R),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A673 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/673_I1.HTM |
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