Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7732

Introduced
2/12/26  

Caption

Categorizes women by their biological identity at birth rather than their gender identity for purpose of organized sports.

Impact

If passed, the bill would significantly reshape the landscape of sports within educational settings. It would require athletic teams in public schools and institutions to be designated based on biological sex. Separate teams for women would not be open to anyone designated male at birth, which may limit opportunities for transgender women to participate in female sports. The legislation influences how educational institutions handle complaints and retaliations against perceived violations of this act, allowing for students to take legal action for any adverse events they might face.

Summary

House Bill H7732, referred to as the Fairness in Women's Sports Act, aims to define participation in organized sports based solely on biological sex rather than an individual's gender identity. This bill asserts that athletic teams must be categorized as male, female, or coed, and prohibits individuals assigned male at birth from competing on female teams. The proposal is built on the premise that inherent biological differences result in significant disparities in athletic performance, with proponents expressing that sex-specific teams are essential for maintaining fairness in competitive sports.

Contention

The proposed legislation has sparked considerable debate regarding its implications for transgender rights and social equity in sports. Advocates argue that the bill is necessary to preserve fair competition for women, claiming biological advantages afforded to males can undermine female athletes during competitions. On the other hand, opponents worry that the law could stifle inclusivity and harm the rights of transgender students, denying them equal participation based on their gender identity. The discussions surrounding the bill highlight a broader societal conflict regarding gender identity and the rights of transgender individuals, especially in the context of athletics.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5842

Categorizes women by their biological identity at birth rather than their gender identity for purpose of organized sports.

RI S0304

Categorizes women by their biological identity at birth rather than their gender identity for purpose of organized sports.

RI S0270

Prohibits gender transition procedures for all minors, uses of public funds, discipline for health care providers, a 30 year statute of limitation, after reaching age of majority, and right to a civil action for damages.

RI S0988

Includes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday and Washington's Birthday as holidays for purposes of work on holidays and Sundays.

RI H5679

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

RI S0070

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

RI H5929

Prohibits the holding of multiple drivers licenses or identification cards and would change the term "re-constructed salvage" to "rebuilt salvage" for purposes of the Rhode Island salvage law.

RI S0620

Prohibits the holding of multiple drivers licenses or identification cards and would change the term "re-constructed salvage" to "rebuilt salvage" for purposes of the Rhode Island salvage law.

RI H5104

Forbids a motor vehicle liability insurance carrier from considering the zip code of where an insured lives for purposes of calculating their policy premium.

RI S0766

Forbids a motor vehicle liability insurance carrier from considering the zip code of where an insured lives for purposes of calculating their policy premium.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.