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Senate Emerging Issues Committee votes do-pass on Sen. Thompson Rehder’s athletic competition legislation
On Thursday, February 2, the Senate Emerging Issues Committee, chaired by Sen. Justin Brown (R-Rolla), voted do-pass on Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s (R-Sikeston) “athletic contests organized by sex” legislation. SB 39 specifically prohibits a school district or charter school from allowing any student to compete in an athletic competition that is designated for the opposite biological sex; the determination would be based on a student’s official birth certificate or other government record. The school district or charter school could allow a biological female to participate in a biological male sport if no “corresponding competition for female students is offered or available.” The public hearing on the legislation was originally held on Tuesday, January 31.
While the legislation does not mention higher education institutions or extend to postsecondary collegiate activities, the title of the legislation, “Establishes guidelines for student participation in athletic contests organized by sex” could allow for Senate floor amendments to expand beyond the K-12 level. Currently, the legislation is listed as # 8 on the Senate Bills for Perfection calendar.
Tentative House Higher Education Hearing Scheduled for Next Week
On Wednesday, February 8, the House Higher Education Committee, chaired by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph), may hold its first convening of the legislative session. During what is anticipated to be an organizational meeting, the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development would provide an overview of its duties and responsibilities. The meeting is not posted on the House calendar at this time.
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