PROTECTION OF WOMEN'S SPORTS ACT

SB 459, the "Protection of Women's Sports Act," requires New Mexico public schools, colleges, and athletic clubs to designate teams, sports, and events as male, female, or coed based on biological sex. It prohibits males from competing on teams designated for females (including in competitions, against such teams, or with them), using birth certificate sex as the eligibility standard. The bill allows males to participate only as non-roster practice players without displacing female athletes. Violations can trigger private lawsuits for damages, injunctive relief, or legal fees, and entities failing to comply may lose public funding.