AB 844: Educational equity: sex-segregated school and athletic programs and activities: use of facilities.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

(1)Existing law requires that a pupil be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, and use facilities consistent with the pupil’s gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records.

This bill would require that a pupil’s participation in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, and use of facilities, including bathrooms, locker rooms, showers, and overnight accommodations instead be based upon the pupil’s sex, as defined.

(2)The Donahoe Higher Education Act sets forth, among other things, the missions and functions of California’s public and independent segments of higher education and their respective institutions of higher education. A provision of the act applies to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California, by appropriate resolution, act to make the provision applicable.

A portion of the Donahoe Higher Education Act, known as the Equity in Higher Education Act, provides, among other things, that all students have the right to participate fully in the educational process, free from discrimination and harassment, and that California’s postsecondary educational institutions have an affirmative obligation to combat racism, sexism, and other forms of bias, and a responsibility to provide equal educational opportunity.

This bill, notwithstanding any other law, would require that a student’s participation in sex-segregated athletic programs and activities and use of facilities, including bathrooms, locker rooms, showers, overnight accommodations, and student housing at a postsecondary institution be based upon the student’s sex.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 5, 2025From committee: Without further action pursuant to Joint Rule 62(a).
2. April 1, 2025In committee: Set, first hearing. Failed passage.
3. March 17, 2025Referred to Coms. on A.,E.,S., & T., ED. and Higher ED.
4. February 20, 2025From printer. May be heard in committee March 22.
5. February 19, 2025Read first time. To print.