OLYMPIA — Sen. Judy Warnick is urging the Legislature to hold a public hearing on Initiative Measure No. IL26-638, a certified initiative addressing participation standards in interscholastic sports, saying it should move through the normal legislative process and be openly vetted.

“This initiative was signed by hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians and certified by the Secretary of State,” Warnick, R–Moses Lake, said. “This deserves its day at the Legislature so that the people have an opportunity to testify and deliberate.”

IL26-638 addresses fairness and safety in interscholastic sports and seeks to clarify participation standards in athletic competitions designated for female students. Warnick emphasized that calling for a hearing is not about dictating an outcome, but about respecting the process voters expect.

Warnick said the conversation should begin with the purpose of the protections already in place.

“Title IX has been central to ensuring women and girls have fair opportunities in school athletics. It prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and has helped expand girls’ participation in sports.”

Warnick added that those hard-won gains deserve careful public consideration, which is why the questions raised by this initiative should be discussed in an open hearing.

“The initiative process exists so the public can bring issues directly to the Legislature,” Warnick continued. “When an initiative is sent here, the next step should be a public hearing, where people can speak for or against the proposal, and lawmakers can hear directly from them.”

Under Washington’s initiative process, the Legislature may approve the initiative during the 60-day legislative session, which is scheduled to conclude March 12. If lawmakers reject the initiative or take no action, the measure would be placed on the ballot for the November general election. Lawmakers may also pass an alternative proposal to appear alongside the original initiative on the ballot.

Warnick noted that initiatives referred to the Legislature are meant to be discussed publicly, with transparency and input from across the state.

“People are paying attention to how the Legislature handles this,” Warnick said. “A public hearing gives Washingtonians a clear opportunity to testify and ensures their voices are part of the official record.”

The 60-day 2026 legislative session began Monday, Jan. 12, and will conclude March 12.

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