PROTECTION OF WOMEN'S SPORTS ACT

HB 233, the "Protection of Women's Sports Act," requires New Mexico public schools and athletic clubs to designate sports teams and events as either for males, females, or coed. It mandates that participants in female-designated teams must be biologically female, verified by birth certificate sex at or near birth, and prohibits males from competing on such teams. The bill allows males to serve only as non-roster practice players without displacing female athletes. Violations permit private lawsuits for damages or injunctions, with a one-year filing deadline. This law directly affects high school and college athletic programs, governing team eligibility and competition rules.