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SB 215

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE FAIRNESS IN GIRLS’ SPORTS ACT.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Rich Collins and 12 co-sponsors

The bill sets rules determining which students can participate in girls’ or women’s sports, clarifying eligibility based on sex or gender criteria and enforcing compliance.

Introduced and Assigned to Education Committee in Senate
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Bill Summary · SB 215

Summary of SB 215 (Session 153, Delaware)

Title

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE FAIRNESS IN GIRLS’ SPORTS ACT

Purpose and intent

  • The bill is designed to address "fairness in girls’ sports" by updating or adding provisions within Title 14 of the Delaware Code. While the exact text of the amendments is not provided here, the title indicates the focus is on ensuring equitable participation in girls’ sports, typically through rules governing eligibility and competition based on gender identity or sex assigned at birth.

Key provisions and changes (as typically associated with such acts)

Note: The precise statutory language is not included in the brief provided. The following outlines represent common elements found in similar “Fairness in Girls’ Sports” proposals. Readers should consult the bill’s text for exact definitions and requirements.

  • Eligibility criteria for participation in girls’ or women’s sports:
    • Establishes who qualifies to compete in girls’ or women’s sports teams (e.g., based on sex assigned at birth or designated gender at a specific time).
    • May specify criteria for transitioning athletes or exemptions, if applicable.
  • Participation and roster rules:
    • Sets boundaries on which teams athletes may join (e.g., girls’ teams vs. coed or boys’ teams).
    • Potentially governs school athletic programs’ enforcement mechanisms and reporting requirements.
  • Compliance and enforcement:
    • Provides oversight by school districts, athletic associations, or state agencies.
    • Establishes penalties or remedies for noncompliance, and processes for addressing disputes.
  • Definitions:
    • Clarifies key terms (e.g., “sex,” “gender identity,” “female,” “athletic team”) to avoid ambiguity in application.
  • Relationship to existing law:
    • Amends existing provisions in Title 14 to align with the required standards for fairness in girls’ sports.

Who would be affected

  • Students and student-athletes in Delaware schools participating in interscholastic sports.
  • School districts, charter schools, and private schools that receive state education funding or participate in state athletic programs.
  • Athletic directors, coaches, and school officials responsible for team assignments, eligibility determinations, and compliance with state policy.
  • State or local education agencies charged with enforcing athletic participation rules.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and assigned to the Education Committee in the Senate on January 8, 2026.
  • As a bill in the Education Committee, it will undergo committee consideration, possible amendments, and a vote before advancing to the full Senate and then the House (if applicable) for passage.
  • Any eventual enactment would require approval through the usual Delaware legislative process and signing by the Governor.

Additional context

  • The bill lists a broad set of co-sponsors, indicating bipartisan or cross-chale support among legislators.
  • The precise impact, including any definitional standards, exceptions (e.g., for trans athletes or medical considerations), and enforcement details, will depend on the exact text of the amendments to Title 14.

Note

For a thorough understanding, review the bill’s full text, including:
- Specific definitions (e.g., “female,” “sex,” “gender identity”).
- Eligibility criteria and any transition-related provisions.
- Enforcement mechanisms, timelines, and potential exemptions.
- Effective date and any transition periods for schools and athletic programs.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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