The girls’ sports participation bill reached the gov’s desk and was signed into law.

 

Senate Bill 46, which changes the process of participation in girls’ sports, passed the House on a 50-17 vote last week (2/1), following the pause of debate on the bill, and was signed into law by Gov. Kristi Noem on Friday (2/4).

 

ASBSD opposed the bill citing support of the current South Dakota High School Activities Association’s policy on participation in athletics, which includes a lengthy review process for participation of a transgender athlete in high school sports, and potential loss in federal funding due to possible Title IX investigations.

 

The bill does include a “hold harmless clause” that would require the State’s Attorney General represent a school district in court should it be sued and have the state pay damages incurred.

 

For updates from the 2022 legislative session, check the ASBSD Blog and Billtracker page.