Initiative IL26-638

Protecting Girls’ Sports

Initiative Measure No. IL26-638 concerns participation in athletics at K-12 schools.

This measure would prohibit students it defines as “biologically male” from competing in certain school athletic activities intended for female students only. It would require verification of biological sex by students’ healthcare providers.

Note: The ballot title, which appears in the dark gray box, is supplied by the Office of the Attorney General as part of the official language of this initiative to the Legislature. Signatures submitted source: Secretary of State

IL26-638 AT A GLANCE

INITIATIVE FILED: June 2, 2025
SIGNATURES SUBMITTED: 444,434
SIGNATURES REQUIRED: 308,911
DATE CERTIFIED: Jan. 21, 2026
HOUSE COMMITTEE: Education
SENATE COMMITTEE: Early Learning & K-12 Education
ACTION TAKEN: None

THREE WAYS TO PLAY

  • Physical exam (already required for participation)
  • Cheek swab for genetic testing
  • Blood test for genetics or testosterone levels

THE PROPOSED LAW

Defending fairness and opportunity in girls’ sports

IL26-638 is designed to reserve participation in girls’ sports for students who are biologically female, outlining a defined verification process and enforceable rules. Supporters argue this preserves fair competition, safety, and equal athletic opportunity for girls.

WHAT THE INITIATIVE DOES

Any organization managing school athletics — whether a school board, the WIAA or another appointed entity — must adopt rules to protect prohibit biologically male students from competing in girls’ sports to preserve competition and fairness. To enforce these rules, a process must be in place to verify a student’s biological sex.

Students seeking to compete in girls’ sports would be required to submit a form signed by a health care provider confirming biological sex, which may be verified based on anatomy, genetics, or naturally produced testosterone levels.

If a student is denied eligibility, they must be given an opportunity to contest the decision before it becomes final. Existing law allows the WIAA or a similar entity to impose penalties for rule violations by coaches or school officials, but students may only be penalized if they knowingly violated the rules or gained a significant unfair advantage.

Right now, students may identify their gender without having to provide documentation, and schools do not require proof of a student’s gender or biological sex. IL26-638 would change that for girls’ sports by requiring students who want to participate to provide confirmation of their biological sex. That confirmation would come from a signed statement by the student’s health care provider verifying that the student is biologically female.

Washington student-athletes already must complete a physical exam to be eligible for school sports, and the standard WIAA form requires parents to list the student’s biological sex. IL26-638 would add a requirement for athletes competing in girls’ sports to submit a doctor-signed statement confirming the student is biologically female. Health care providers may verify biological sex using anatomy, genetics, or naturally occurring testosterone levels, allowing families to choose the option that works best with their provider.

The initiative does not spell out exactly how health care providers must gather the information needed to verify biological sex. Current sports physical forms often include questions about sex assigned at birth and gender identity, and parents may identify a child as female, male, or intersex. While parents must certify that this information is accurate, IL26-638 leaves it to governing organizations to set verification rules. Because the initiative specifies three medical methods for verifying biological sex, it is unlikely that a parent’s declaration alone would be sufficient.

Under current law, the WIAA and similar organizations may penalize coaches, administrators, schools, and students for violating athletic rules. IL26-638 would apply those same penalties when a biologically male student competes in girls’ sports. However, a student could only be penalized if they knowingly broke the rules or gained a significant unfair advantage. Any penalties must be proportional and may be appealed.

DEMOCRATS’ UNPOPULAR LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM AND PAYROLL TAX

Starting July 1, 2023, most workers in Washington, including part-time and temporary workers, began paying up to $0.58 per $100 of their earnings for the WA Cares Fund — a new state-run, long-term care insurance program. Estimate your costs here.

DEMOCRATS’ UNPOPULAR LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM AND PAYROLL TAX

Starting July 1, 2023, most workers in Washington, including part-time and temporary workers, began paying up to $0.58 per $100 of their earnings for the WA Cares Fund — a new state-run, long-term care insurance program. Estimate your costs here.