3 GOP Senators File Amendment to Shield State Women's Sports Laws From College Sports Bill
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 6
3 GOP Senators File Amendment to Shield State Women's Sports Laws From College Sports Bill
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 6
Summary
Three Republican senators moved Thursday to carve out state and local women’s sports laws from the Protect College Sports Act, saying the bill could otherwise override bans on biological males competing on women’s college teams.
The amendment from Josh Hawley, Jim Banks and Tommy Tuberville targets the bill’s federal preemption language, which they say could nullify protections already on the books in states including Missouri and Indiana.
Their push follows a Supreme Court ruling upholding Idaho and West Virginia laws, reinforcing that states can set their own rules because transgender status is not treated as a protected class like race or religion in this context.
The broader bill is meant to set national standards for NIL pay, eligibility, scholarships and healthcare, but critics also warn it could shield the NCAA from some Title IX-related lawsuits over eligibility decisions.
Whether the amendment is adopted could shape Republican support for the legislation, even as backers such as Sen. Maria Cantwell argue a federal framework is needed to stabilize college athletics.