HB0274

Extends the prohibition on biological males competing on female sports teams to institutions of higher education, establishes liability for violations, creates private causes of action, and provides whistleblower protections.

• Creates governmental liability for damages resulting from violations of sports participation rules when caused by negligent, reckless, or intentional acts of public employees acting within the scope of their duties. (W.S. 1-39-124)
• Expands the definition of 'interscholastic athletic activity' to include sports played at the collegiate level with established eligibility requirements by national collegiate athletics associations. (W.S. 21-25-101(a)(ii))
• Amends the definition of 'school' to include institutions of higher education in addition to grades 7-12 schools. (W.S. 21-25-101(a)(iii))
• Prohibits governmental entities, licensing organizations, and athletic associations from retaliating against schools that maintain separate athletic teams for female students or against students and parents who report violations or request contested case proceedings. (W.S. 21-25-102(e))
• Provides whistleblower protections preventing employers and organizations from discharging or discriminating against employees who institute proceedings, testify, or exercise rights under this chapter. (W.S. 21-25-102(g))
• Grants students and parents or guardians a private cause of action for injunctive relief, damages, attorney fees, and other relief against schools and organizations violating the chapter. (W.S. 21-25-102(h))
• Grants schools a private cause of action for injunctive relief, damages, attorney fees, and other relief against governmental entities, licensing organizations, and athletic associations violating the chapter. (W.S. 21-25-102(j))
• Establishes a three-year statute of limitations for civil actions brought under the private cause of action provisions. (W.S. 21-25-102(k))
• Repeals alternate procedures for determining student athletic eligibility and conforming statutory provisions.