Arizona House Approves Rep. Bliss’ “Protect Girls’ Sports In Arizona Act”

Arizona House Approves Rep. Bliss’ “Protect Girls’ Sports In Arizona Act”

by | Feb 25, 2026 | Education, News

By Ethan Faverino |

The Arizona House of Representatives passed HCR 2003, the Protect Girls’ Sports in Arizona Act, on February 23, 2026, in a vote of 32 ayes to 25 nays.

Sponsored by Rep. Selina Bliss (R-LD1), the measure now advances to the Arizona Senate. If approved by the Senate, it would refer the proposed law to Arizona voters for consideration on the November 2026 general election ballot.

HCR 2003 seeks to require schools and athletic associations to designate interscholastic and intramural athletic teams or sports as “males/men/boys,” “females/women/girls,” or “coeducational/mixed,” based on an individual’s biological sex as recorded at birth on the original birth certificate. Teams designated for females would not be open to biological male athletes.

The resolution also includes stronger privacy protections, prohibiting schools and athletic associations from authorizing individuals to use restrooms, locker rooms, shower rooms, or other private athletic facilities not designated for their biological sex, effective January 1, 2027.

The measure restores and strengthens elements of Arizona’s 2022 Save Women’s Sports Act (SB 1165), which faced partial blocks by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, creating uncertainty for schools, families, and athletes.

“Today the House acted to protect fair competition for girls across Arizona,” stated Rep. Bliss. “Women’s sports were created because biological differences matter. When those differences are ignored, girls lose roster spots, scholarships, and opportunities they earned. HCR 2003 gives voters the chance to protect female athletes and establish clear, durable rules for schools.”

Additional provisions of the proposed law include:

  • Allowing athletes to participate on teams aligned with their biological sex or on coeducational teams.
  • Prohibiting government entities, licensing organizations, accrediting bodies, or athletic associations from taking adverse action against schools or associations that maintain separate teams for female athletes.
  • Providing a private cause of action for athletes deprived of opportunities or harmed by violations, including for injunctive relief, damages (including for psychological, emotional, or physical harm), attorney fees, and costs.
  • Protecting against retaliation for reporting violations, with similar legal remedies available.
  • Applying to public and qualifying private schools serving K-12.

“Court rulings have created uncertainty for schools and families,” Rep. Bliss added. “This referral allows Arizona voters to decide whether girls’ sports should remain for girls. It protects privacy in locker rooms and showers and restores clarity statewide.”

HCR 2003 now heads to the Arizona Senate for further consideration. If approved, it will be on this year’s general election ballot.

Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.

Arizona Lawmaker Introduces Ballot Measure To Protect Girls’ Sports

Arizona Lawmaker Introduces Ballot Measure To Protect Girls’ Sports

by | Dec 29, 2025 | Education, News

By Jonathan Eberle |

Arizona voters could be asked to decide how school athletic teams are classified and how privacy is handled in sports facilities under a ballot referral introduced at the State Capitol. The proposal, HCR2003, was introduced by Selina Bliss and would place the issue on the November 2026 general election ballot. The resolution would require school sports teams and competitions to be designated as male, female, or co-ed, while adding new privacy protections in locker rooms and showers.

“Sports designations must be clear and grounded in basic fairness,” Bliss said in announcing the measure. “My referral requires teams and competitions in Arizona schools and sports associations to be designated as male, female, or co-ed. This lets every student compete safely and on fair terms.”

The referral seeks to restore and strengthen elements of Arizona’s 2022 Save Women’s Sports Act, portions of which were blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Under the proposal, placement on male or female teams would be determined by the sex listed on an athlete’s original birth certificate, a standard Bliss said would provide consistency for schools and families navigating evolving legal rules.

Supporters of the measure argue that litigation has created uncertainty in states like Arizona, leaving districts without clear direction. Bliss said voters should have the opportunity to weigh in directly rather than relying on ongoing court decisions. “Voters should decide this issue and give young women the opportunities they deserve,” she said. “Passing this referral will protect female athletes and give families confidence that the rules will not shift again in court.”

Bliss also cited her personal background in athletics as informing her perspective on the issue. “As someone who competed in athletics and as a mother who watched her daughter compete, I understand the value of a fair field of play,” she said. “Sports help young people build confidence, discipline, and healthy habits.”

Similar proposals are advancing in other states, including Colorado, Maine, Washington, and Nevada. If approved by the Legislature, HCR2003 would allow Arizona voters to make the final decision at the ballot box.

Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.