The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation on Apr. 22 that would require school sports teams to be designated by biological sex, according to Sen. Camera Bartolotta.
Supporters of the bill say it aims to protect fairness and safety for female athletes by ensuring that only biological females can participate on girls’ or women’s teams. The proposed law, Senate Bill 1293, would apply to public schools and colleges across the state and allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule.
Bartolotta said, “This legislation protects common-sense values. We need to stick up for our girls by protecting athletic opportunities, fairness, and safety in competition.” According to Bartolotta, men have taken first place from female athletes 87 times since 2020 in Pennsylvania and took second or third place an additional 64 times. She also cited national cases where biological male competitors caused injuries to female athletes.
The bill is similar to a previous measure passed by the Senate in May 2025 but delayed in the House of Representatives due to procedural actions by Democratic leaders. Bartolotta represents Pennsylvania’s 46th Senatorial District, which includes parts of Beaver County as well as all of Greene and Washington counties according to the official website.
Supporters referenced findings from the American College of Sports Medicine stating that males generally have larger hearts, more muscle mass, lower body fat percentage, and greater energy efficiency than females—factors leading males typically outperforming females in many sports events. Recently adopted International Olympic Committee guidelines were also cited; these limit participation in female categories at IOC events exclusively to biological females after scientific review determined such rules were necessary for fair competition.
Bartolotta serves as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for District 46 and has held leadership roles such as Majority Caucus Secretary according to her official website. During her tenure she has authored or supported laws related to workers’ compensation for first responders with PTSD, stricter penalties for reckless drivers, and water resource protection according to her official website. Her offices are located throughout Harrisburg, Washington, Waynesburg and Mon Valley according to her official website.
The legislation now moves forward for consideration in the House of Representatives.
