Peach Tree Times

State Representative Will Wade, serving as House Floor Leader for Governor Brian Kemp, has co-sponsored the Riley Gaines Act. This legislative proposal is a key initiative of House Speaker Jon Burns and is sponsored by State Representative Josh Bonner. The act aims to prevent biological males from participating in women's sports within Georgia.

Floor Leader Wade emphasized the importance of this legislation: “This legislation is about protecting our girls and ensuring that every athlete has a level playing field to compete and succeed in Georgia.” He also highlighted the support from various colleagues, including Speaker Burns and Governor Kemp, stating that the bill would strengthen previous legislation passed in 2022. Wade added, "No young girl should spend years and years training, giving everything they have only to arrive at a competition and be forced to compete against a biological male."

The Riley Gaines Act proposes several measures. It would prohibit biological males from joining sports teams designated for females at all levels. It also mandates separate changing facilities for athletic events and restricts athletic scholarships meant for women from being awarded to biological males. Additionally, private schools competing with public schools must comply with these standards.

This act builds upon earlier legislation enacted during the 2022 session through House Bill 1084. That bill requires high schools receiving state funding to have executive oversight committees if they wish to participate in or sponsor athletic events. HB 1084 permits athletic associations to implement policies barring male students from female-designated sports, which all member schools are obliged to follow.