Relating to interscholastic athletic competition based on biological sex, requirements for physical examinations and genetic testing in interscholastic athletics, and the adoption of rules by the University Interscholastic League to implement these requirements.
Summary
HB 1123 would require school district and open-enrollment charter school athletic teams to base participation in sex-designated interscholastic sports on a student’s biological sex as reflected on an official birth certificate or other government record, with a further provision tying eligibility to chromosomal sex. Under the bill, a student could not compete on a team designated for the opposite biological sex, except that a female student could play on a male team if no female competition is available. The bill also directs the University Interscholastic League (UIL) to adopt rules to implement these requirements and to protect the confidentiality of student medical information.
The bill also adds a new physical-examination and genetic-testing process for student athletes. A licensed physician would be prohibited from approving a required physical exam if the physician reasonably suspects a mismatch between the student’s chromosomal makeup and sex assigned at birth, and would have to refer the student for genetic testing to confirm chromosomal sex. The bill states that these provisions do not create a cause of action or liability against physicians, UIL, school districts, or school officials for injuries or deaths connected to athletic participation or the administration of the section.
Impact
HB 1123 would amend Chapter 33 of the Education Code by revising the existing rule governing interscholastic athletic competition based on biological sex and by creating a new statutory section governing physical examinations and genetic testing for student athletes. It would expand UIL’s rulemaking responsibilities, require compliance with state and federal medical-privacy laws, and establish a statewide framework for sex-based athletic eligibility beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill would affect school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, UIL, physicians performing athletic physicals, and students seeking to participate in UIL-sanctioned sports.
Sentiment
The available context shows the bill was referred to the House Public Education Committee and had no recorded votes or committee transcript in the provided materials, so there is no formal legislative debate record here. Based on the bill’s subject matter, it appears to be a policy proposal aimed at restricting participation in sex-segregated school sports and standardizing eligibility determinations through medical and genetic criteria. The absence of recorded opposition or support in the provided history means sentiment cannot be measured from votes, but the bill’s framing suggests it is likely to be viewed as strongly supported by proponents of sex-based athletic categories and strongly opposed by those concerned about transgender student participation, privacy, and medical testing requirements.
Contention
The main points of contention are likely to be the bill’s use of birth certificates and chromosomal testing to determine athletic eligibility, the requirement that physicians refer students for genetic testing when they suspect a mismatch, and the privacy implications of collecting and handling student medical information. Opponents would likely focus on the impact on transgender and intersex students, the potential for invasive testing, and the burden placed on physicians and schools. Supporters would likely argue that the bill preserves fairness and consistency in girls’ and boys’ sports and gives UIL a clear enforcement standard.
Relating to the regulation of steroid use by students participating in athletic competitions sponsored or sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League.
Permits school districts to allow nonpublic school students to participate in resident district high school interscholastic athletics in certain circumstances.