The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation on April 22 that would require public schools and colleges to designate sports teams based on biological sex, according to State Senator Camera Bartolotta. The bill, known as Senate Bill 1293, states that only biological females can participate in female-designated teams and allows students to seek legal action if this rule is violated.
Supporters of the legislation say it is intended to protect the safety and opportunities of female athletes. According to Bartolotta, “This legislation protects common-sense values. We need to stick up for our girls by protecting athletic opportunities, fairness, and safety in competition.”
The proposed law follows reports that since 2020 in Pennsylvania, male athletes have placed ahead of female competitors numerous times in women’s events. The bill also cites instances nationwide where biological male competitors have caused injuries during female competitions. The American College of Sports Medicine has stated that males generally have larger hearts, more muscle mass, less body fat percentage, and use energy more efficiently than females—factors which contribute to performance differences between sexes ranging from 10–30% depending on the sport.
Senate Bill 1293 is similar to a previous measure passed by the Senate in May 2025 with bipartisan support but delayed in the House due to procedural actions by Democratic leaders. Recently, the International Olympic Committee issued guidelines limiting participation in women’s categories at their events strictly to biological females after scientific review found such eligibility rules necessary.
Bartolotta represents Pennsylvania’s 46th Senatorial District covering parts of Beaver County as well as all of Greene and Washington counties according to her official website. She maintains offices throughout her district for constituent services according to her official website, engages in lawmaking duties according to her official website, and has supported laws related to first responders’ compensation and water resource protection during her tenure according to her official website.
The bill will now move forward for consideration by the House of Representatives.
