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HJR L

Recreation: athletics and sports; determining classification of athletic events based on the biological sex of the participant assigned at birth; allow. Amends the state constitution by adding sec. 29 to art. l.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Woolford

Proposes that athletic eligibility be based on biological sex at birth for state, subdivisions, accrediting and interscholastic groups, banning gender identity basis.

joint resolution electronically reproduced 08/13/2025
#constitutionalamendments:state #recreation:athleticsandsports
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Bill Summary · HJR L

Summary: House Joint Resolution L (HJR L) — Recreation: athletics and sports; determining eligibility based on birth sex

Overview

HJR L is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to Michigan’s 1963 constitution. It adds Section 29 to Article I to regulate eligibility to participate in athletic events based on sex. The amendment would apply to the state, political subdivisions, accrediting organizations, and interscholastic athletic associations operating in or with business activities in Michigan that conduct or fund athletic events. It would be submitted to voters at the next general election.

Key Provisions

  • Eligibility basis: “If this state, a political subdivision of this state, or an accrediting organization or interscholastic athletic association operating in or having business activities in this state, conducts or funds an athletic event, eligibility to participate in the athletic event may be based on the sex of the participants.”
  • Prohibition on other bases: “Eligibility shall not be based on the construct of gender identity or on procedures that manipulate sex characteristics to conform to gender identity.”
  • Private enforcement: Any individual may bring an action for declaratory, injunctive, or monetary relief to enforce this section on the individual’s behalf. Venue: circuit court for the county where the plaintiff resides. If the plaintiff prevails in whole or in part, the court must award reasonable attorney fees, costs, and disbursements.
  • Definition of sex: “the state of being female or the state of being male, as an innate, objective, biological condition as identified at the time of birth.”
  • Amendment timeline: The proposed amendment shall be submitted to the people of the state at the next general election, as provided by law.

Scope and Affected Entities

  • Entities covered: the state, political subdivisions of the state, accrediting organizations, and interscholastic athletic associations operating in or doing business in Michigan that conduct or fund athletic events.
  • Activities affected: eligibility rules for participation in athletic events run or funded by the above entities.

Enforcement and Remedies

  • Private right of enforcement allows individuals to pursue declaratory or injunctive relief and monetary damages.
  • Court: circuit court in the plaintiff’s residence county.
  • If successful, prevailing party is entitled to reasonable attorney fees, costs, and disbursements.

Definitions

  • Sex: defined as male or female, “an innate, objective, biological condition identified at the time of birth.”

Constitutional Amendment Process and Timeline

  • This is a proposed constitutional amendment (not a statute), requiring voter approval.
  • Submittal to voters: at the next general election after enactment.
  • Status: Introduced August 13, 2025; referred to the Committee on Government Operations; jointly reproduced August 14, 2025.

Legislative Status

  • Introduced: August 13, 2025 by Rep. Jason Woolford.
  • Referred to: Committee on Government Operations.
  • Next steps: Committee consideration, potential floor votes in both chambers, followed by voter referendum at the next general election.

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

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