Tag Archives: Girls Sports

Sen. Judy Warnick calls for public hearing on women’s sports initiative

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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Senate Democrats Block Resolution Honoring Women’s Sports, Warnick Pushes Back

State Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, on Tuesday criticized Senate Democrats for refusing to allow even the reading of Senate Resolution 8647, a measure she sponsored to honor the legacy and importance of women’s sports and promote fairness in female athletic competition.

The resolution, co-sponsored by Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy, recognized the accomplishments of female athletes, the impact of Title IX, and the need to preserve equal opportunities for women and girls in sports.

“It is deeply disappointing that my Democratic colleagues chose to block a resolution that simply celebrates the achievements of women in sports and calls for fairness in competition,” Warnick said. “SR 8647 acknowledges the transformative impact of Title IX, the rise of women’s athletics, and the importance of preserving equal opportunities for female athletes.”

Warnick said the refusal to bring the resolution to the Senate floor is part of a broader trend of dismissing concerns raised by athletes, parents and sports advocates who say women’s sports are being undermined when biological males are allowed to compete in female categories.

“This is not a fringe issue, it is a mainstream concern shared by athletes, coaches and families across Washington and the country,” said Warnick. “Washington should be leading the way in supporting women’s sports, not silencing efforts to recognize and protect them.”

SR 8647 also celebrated Spokane’s recent hosting of the NCAA Women’s Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games and praised the city for advancing opportunities for female athletes.