Health committee votes 14-12 to rerefer "Fairness in Women's Sports Act" to Judiciary after heated debate

The House Health Committee voted to rerefer Senate Bill 9, known in the chamber as the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," to the Judiciary Committee after a heated floor exchange over committee jurisdiction, health impacts and the potential legal exposure of schools.

Chair Rapp, who opposed the motion to rerefer, argued the bill belongs in the Education Committee and urged members to decide the merits here in health, saying, "I will be opposing the motion to re refer senate bill 9." Representative Krupa also opposed rereferral, framing the issue as a health matter and arguing that "When biological males believe that they should compete in women's sports, that reflects a deep mental and emotional struggle that deserves compassion, honesty, and proper care." Representative Borowicz used pointed rhetoric in support of the bill, saying "biological males don't belong in women's sports." Representative Walsh urged immediate action and cited the bill's prior veto history, calling out delays as political tactics that harm female athletes.

The chair who introduced the motion said SB9 "creates a cause of action for both schools and students" and highlighted broad remedies written into the bill, including injunctive relief, damages and "any other relief under law," and recommended Judiciary Committee review because of the potential for significant legal bills and claims.

Clerk Devin conducted a roll-call vote after debate. The motion to rerefer passed 14-12 and Senate Bill 9 was sent to the Judiciary Committee for further review. No committee amendments or changes to SB9 were recorded during the Health Committee session.

Next steps: Senate Bill 9 will be considered by the Judiciary Committee; no date for that meeting was provided in the Health Committee transcript.