Pennsylvania SB1293: An Act providing for sport activities in public institutions of higher education and public school entities to be expressly designated male, female or coed; and creating causes of action for harm suffered by designation.

What the bill says

From the introduced text, April 17, 2026:

PRINTER'S NO. 1598 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL No. Session of INTRODUCED BY J. WARD, PHILLIPS-HILL, K. WARD, BAKER, BROOKS, BARTOLOTTA, PENNYCUICK, BROWN, CULVER, KEEFER, ROTHMAN, MASTRIANO, LANGERHOLC, HUTCHINSON, MARTIN, STEFANO, DUSH AND FARRY, APRIL 17, 2026 REFERRED TO EDUCATION, APRIL 17, 2026 Providing for sport activities in public institutions of higher education and public school entities to be expressly designated male, female or coed; and creating causes of action for harm suffered by designation. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Fairness in Women's Sports Act. Section 2. Definitions. The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Public institution of higher education." One of the following: (1) A community college operating under Article XIX-A of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949. (2) A rural regional college established under Article XIX-G of the Public School Code of 1949. (3) An university within the State System of Higher Education under Article XX-A of the Public School Code of 1949. (4) A State-related institution as defined in section 2001-C of the Public …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Judith Ward (R, 30) · primary sponsor
• Kristin Phillips-Hill (R, 28)
• Kim Ward (R, 39)
• Lisa Baker (R, 20)
• Michele Brooks (R, 50)
• Camera Bartolotta (R, 46)
• Tracy Pennycuick (R, 24)
• Rosemary Brown (R, 40)
• Culver, Lynda Schlegel (R, 27)
• Dawn Keefer (R, 31)
• Greg Rothman (R, 34)
• Doug Mastriano (R, 33)

Latest actions

1. September 28, 2026: Re-referred to HEALTH, Sept. 28, 2026
2. September 28, 2026: Reported with request to re-refer to HEALTH, Sept. 28, 2026
3. June 17, 2026: Re-referred to EDUCATION, June 17, 2026
4. June 17, 2026: Reported with request to re-refer to EDUCATION, June 17, 2026
5. April 23, 2026: Referred to JUDICIARY, April 23, 2026
6. April 23, 2026: In the House
7. April 22, 2026: (Remarks see Senate Journal Page 204-205), April 22, 2026
8. April 22, 2026: Third consideration and final passage, April 22, 2026 (30-17)
9. April 21, 2026: Second consideration, April 21, 2026
10. April 20, 2026: First consideration, April 20, 2026

Votes

• House Education: Re-refer Bill To Another Committee (September 28, 2026): 14 yea, 12 nay, passed
• House Judiciary: Re-refer Bill To Another Committee (June 17, 2026): 14 yea, 12 nay, passed
• Third consideration and final passage, April 22, 2026 (30-17) (April 22, 2026): 30 yea, 17 nay, passed
• Senate Education: Reported as Committed (April 20, 2026): 7 yea, 4 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB1293?

SB1293 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): An Act providing for sport activities in public institutions of higher education and public school entities to be expressly designated male, female or coed; and creating causes of action for harm suffered by designation.

What is the status of SB1293?

Passed one chamber as of September 28, 2026. Latest action: Re-referred to HEALTH, Sept. 28, 2026 (September 28, 2026).

Who sponsored SB1293?

Judith Ward (R, 30), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB1293?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1293