Governor Noem and Girls’ Sports

A closer look at the South Dakota law and student protections

A bit of controversy has emerged after South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem proposed revisions to HB 1217, legislation aimed to “promote continued fairness in women’s sports.”

A Short Summary of HB 1217 and Noem’s Actions

For background, HB 1217 required that female sports in South Dakota stay biologically female. It required a school obtain written statements from student athletes once a year certifying their age, biological sex, and that they haven’t taken any performance enhancing drugs, including steroids.

HB 1217 also allowed for a cause of action where a student could sue the school, school district, athletic association or organization, or their employees for violations of HB 1217.

The proposed law went to Noem’s desk, where she suggested the following revisions.