HCS HBs 113, 624 & 36 Seitz, Brian Committee
HCS HBs 113, 624, & 36 -- PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETICS COMPETITIONS
SPONSOR: Seitz
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass with HCS" by the Standing Committee on Emerging Issues by a vote of 10 to 4. Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Rules-Legislative by a vote of 7 to 3.
The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HB 113.
Currently, schools can only allow students to compete in athletics competitions designated for the student's biological sex, as indicated on the student's official birth certificate. Except that female students may participate in athletics competitions designated for male students if no corresponding competition for female students is offered.
This provision is set to expire on August 28th, 2027. The bill removes the expiration date for this language.
This bill is the same as HB 36 (2025) and HB 2145 (2024)
The following is a summary of the public testimony from the committee hearing. The testimony was based on the introduced version of the bill.
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that allowing biological boys to play or participate in girl's sports is unfair to girls. Wide genetic differences exist between genders, including bone density and muscle mass. Supporters further say that if boys can participate, this creates unacceptable safety issues and concerns. Women have fought hard to have their own sports teams, and this bill will help to save those sports.
Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Seitz; Timothy Faber; Missouri Catholic Conference; and Bev Ehlen, Liberty Link Missouri.
OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that trans women are not negatively impacting sports. It is largely anecdotal media stories that have overblown the situation. Opponents further say that because there are so few trans athletes, this bill is reaching too broadly in application. Younger trans athletes just want to play sports and have fun, and the implementation of this bill will push many people out of the state.
Testifying in person against the bill were Nicolas Ross; Cammie Storm; Cherie Martin; Dr. Sarah Golladay; Jenni Anne Hickerson; Kate Hopkins; Ky Brunkhorst; Nicholas Joseph Tatum; Stephanie Marie Miller; Missouri NEA; Abortion Action Missouri; David Young, Personal; Dani Kahn; Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, Action; The City Of St. Louis; Jacquelyn Evette Melendez Paterson; Jessica Melendez Paterson; Scott Hammack; American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri; Ashley Quinn, National Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Amy Hammerman, National Council of Jewish Women; Cait Smith, Center For American Progress; Chris Trousdale; Kate Giant; Kate Hopkins; Kendan Elliott; Landon Patterson; Melissa Fears Henley; Michael Walk; Nicole Faubert; Rev. Lauren Bennett; Samantha Fomera; City of Kansas City; Rev. Meagan Mclaughlin, Christ Lutheran Church; Perrin Dowse; May Hall; Robert M. Thies; Atticus Whitten; Christine Elise Reynolds; Katie Hopkins; Charlotte Saunders; and Eury Speir.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.