House Education Committee gives do-pass to bill limiting collegiate competition to sex at birth

CHEYENNE — The Wyoming House Education Committee voted unanimously Feb. 26 to give Senate File 44, "Fairness in Sports — Intercollegiate Athletics," a do-pass recommendation after adopting several amendments that clarify definitions and add enforcement language.

Sponsor remarks and bill intent

Sponsor remarks described the bill as a short measure modeled after similar laws in other states that would limit participation in collegiate athletics to a student’s sex as recorded at birth. The sponsor said the bill is intended to “safeguard the integrity of women's sports in Wyoming” and to provide a statutory policy that would remain in place regardless of changes in federal executive actions.

Why it matters

The bill would require institutions to base eligibility for intercollegiate competition on sex assigned at birth as reflected on an official birth record or comparable government document. It also creates a private civil cause of action against institutions that violate the section and, after committee amendments, explicitly authorizes declaratory and injunctive relief and allows courts to award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

Committee discussion, amendments and implementation questions

Committee members debated enforcement mechanics and…