Legislature(2023 - 2024)DAVIS 106
03/25/2024 08:00 AM House EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB183 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 183 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 183-DESIGNATE SEX FOR SCHOOL-SPONSORED SPORTS
8:02:10 AM
CO-CHAIR ALLARD announced that the only order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 183, "An Act relating to school athletics,
recreation, athletic teams, and sports; and providing for an
effective date."
8:02:53 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY pointed out that typically, amendment
deadlines are set after public testimony is heard because
sometimes during testimony something is brought up in the bill
that others might consider while creating amendments. She asked
whether there could be an additional amendment deadline.
CO-CHAIR ALLARD replied that she would take it into
consideration, and confirmed she received Representative Story's
e-mail.
8:03:18 AM
CO-CHAIR ALLARD opened public testimony on HB 183.
8:03:37 AM
MORGAN LIM, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, testified on
behalf of Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates (PPAA) of Alaska
in opposition to HB 183. He referred to the bill as "blatantly
discriminatory," designed to exclude trans girls the ability to
participate fully in sports and their school community. He
opined that the bill is part of a coordinated nationwide attack
aimed at erasing trans people from school sports, their
communities, and all aspects of public life. He said trans
youth should be treated with dignity and should have the
opportunity to live a healthy life, and they want to play sports
and be part of a team where they feel they belong. Trans youths
should not be unfairly targeted, he stated.
8:05:44 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 8:05 a.m. to 8:07 a.m.
8:07:11 AM
SALIM HOUCK, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
183 and related that he began transitioning while attending
Juneau Douglas High School. He said participating in
extracurricular opportunities gave him a sense of community and
helped him feel safe at school. He stated he had supportive
teachers in school and opined that the bill would make it
difficult for schools to support their transgender students in
the way they support all other students. Denying trans students
to participate in sports can have many negative outcomes, and
transgender girls - like all girls - have the best chance to
strive when they are supported and treated like their peers, he
said, and he urged the committee to vote no on HB 183.
8:09:04 AM
ALEXANDER ROSALES, representing self, testified in support of HB
183. He stated that he was severely disappointed in previous
testimony relating to being upset about "140" and letting that
emotion carry over. He said he is here for all the women and
girls out there, and that trans women are men biologically. The
lines are blurred allowing little boys to go into little girls'
locker rooms and "that's where it starts," he opined, and as a
dad he stressed this is not okay. He paraphrased a quote from
Pastor John from Texas, stating that a person who votes down
[the proposed legislation] is "either a punk or pervert."
8:10:56 AM
STARLA MILLER, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
183. She related that when she went through the school system,
[trans children in sports] may not have been an issue, but she
was the only black child in her neighborhood, and she opined
that the bill is the same as the elements of racism and it does
not "bring us together." Passing the bill, she said, would be
detrimental; these children need to be cared for and accepted,
and voting in support of the bill sends the message that "we do
not accept you or want you."
8:13:05 AM
LINDSEY BANNING, representing self, testified in opposition to
HB 183 and related that she is the mother of two teen athletes -
one who is trans. She said she does not believe in codifying
hate and discrimination and opined that the bill would enshrine
into law and ensure trans kids can't play games with their
friends and be part of a team. She said the bill is not about
protecting girls in sports, and if it were, it would be focused
on the barriers for girls and women in sports which she offered
her belief are cost and access. She said trans girls are girls,
and the legislature does not get to debate that.
8:15:28 AM
JANICE MICHAUD-WHALEN, representing self, testified in
opposition to HB 183. She related that she is a retired teacher
and coach and opined that HB 183 is unnecessary, discriminatory,
and damaging. She paraphrased part of the bill referencing a
competitive edge, and offered her belief that may apply to adult
athletes, but research showed that those attributes do not apply
depending on when one started their transition. She offered
examples of her own teen years and that she was bigger and more
coordinated than some males. She urged the committee to pay
more attention to real school needs such as better pay for
teachers and descent retirement plans, and to vote no on HB 183.
8:17:32 AM
JESSE SAIKI, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
183. She expressed her disappointment that the bill exists in
"our great state" and opined that the bill violates students'
rights to privacy and safety and denies the existence of
intersect transgender and two-spirit people who have existed
longer than those who wrote the bill and support it. Access to
school sports is about community and where many find their way
and build confidence. She said true support for women would
include trans women and girls.
8:19:23 AM
NITHYA THIRU, Program Manager, ACLU of Alaska Queer and Trans
Justice Program, testified in opposition to HB 183, which she
opined is a violation of students' rights and privacy and is
clearly discriminatory in its intent to prevent trans girls from
participating in sports. She said trans girls are girls, and
that the Constitution of the State of Alaska protects the
privacy and due process of all Alaskans including public school
students. She offered her belief that the only thing the bill
would do is sanction exclusion and bullying of transgender and
LGBTQIA youths.
8:21:36 AM
MONICA WHITMAN, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
183. She spoke to the NCAA's policy being aligned with the
International Olympic Committee and its principles include
inclusion regardless of an athlete's gender identity expression
or sex variation. She asked why K-12 students would be held to
more restrictions and invasive policy than Olympic athletes.
She opined that the bill puts trans kids in a culture war that
has nothing to do with fairness in sports, and she asked the
committee to "make it make sense." As a parent, she stated she
opposed HB 183.
8:23:00 AM
JOSH SMITH, representing self, shared that he was a U.S. Air
Force veteran, and he stated that he adamantly opposed HB 183,
calling it a solution looking for a problem. There is no
evidence that trans girls pose any threat to girls' sports or
take anything from cisgender kids, he said, and the validity of
"these kids" is undermined, and they deserve to be seen and
respected for who they are. He said it does not have to be this
way in the state of Alaska. He stated that school and school
sports are a safe place for kids to be themselves and belong to
a team and community. He added that the exclusion of trans kids
causes immense harm.
8:25:07 AM
KATHY TODD, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
183. She pointed out that the discussion is around high school
sports, not the Olympics, and high school sports are inherently
not fair, she said, but they are also about teamwork and
traveling with the team. She opined that trans girls are not
pretending to be girls, they are girls, and no one is going to
pretend to be a girl in order to win the high school track meet.
She reiterated that she is against HB 183 and said it is not
something "that we should be doing."
8:26:52 AM
LIN DAVIS, representing self, testified in opposition to HB 183
and referred to the bill as "manufactured hate." She urged the
committee to focus on the good and educate kids instead of
frightening them and causing anxiety. Public schools should be
a "community blanket toss" with joy and help students be their
best and brightest selves. She said the bill is government
control and mean towards a small group of people in Alaska. She
offered personal examples of sports helping her and said all
kids deserve to play.
8:29:01 AM
DAVID LOCKARD, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
183 and related that he has a transgender son and that
transgenders are human beings. He opined that the state should
be addressing pressing issues such as the budget, education
funding, sexual assault, and domestic violence. He noted the
"horrendous record" in Alaska of assault against girls and
women, and that transgender athletes do not pose a problem in
Alaska schools. The bill would violate student privacy and
subject schools to frivolous lawsuits, he said, and he urged the
committee to vote no on HB 183.
8:30:57 AM
KC CASORT, representing self, testified in opposition to HB 183.
She offered her belief that the bill violates the Alaska
Constitution and student privacy rights and creates new ways to
sue schools. She expressed her frustration with committees
deciding to spend limited time and resources making baseless
attacks on children rather than addressing the real issues in
sports and schools.
8:32:58 AM
LAURA STEELE, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
183. She expressed her disappointment in some legislators who
may not understand the nuance or terminology of the bill they
are legislating. She commended the staff of Legislative Legal
Services for providing thoughtful, fact-based information at
last week's hearing. She stated she is not worried about her
daughter losing in sports to a trans girl and any true athlete
would express that losing in sports is just as important as
winning, she said. She added that she is more worried about
school funding, adequate pay for teachers, and teacher
retention; all which the body has a responsibility to address.
8:35:02 AM
ANGIE FRAKAER, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
183. She opined that the bill is a distraction from the real
education issues in Alaska, as well as being unscientific and
unconstitutional. Trans girls are girls and HB 183 does not
protect children but puts them directly in harm's way, she said.
8:36:10 AM
XOCHITL MUNOZ, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
183. She offered her opinion that the bill targets trans girls
in middle and elementary school, and the purpose of sports
during this time is to have fun, exercise, learn teamwork, and
make friends. She said transgender girls are relatively rare,
Alaska is a small state by population, and not every trans girl
wants to play sports. She opined that passing a bill that would
kick a few children out of activities is cruel and sends a
message that they should not exist. She concluded, "Please stop
attacking them."
8:37:35 AM
ALEXIS HART, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
183. She shared that she had met many pedophiles and abusers in
her life, and none were trans. She added that she never felt
unsafe in a trans person's presence but had felt unsafe around
those who think gender is defined by a narrow thought. The bill
hinges on the concept that men are better at sports than women
and that, she said, proves the bill is textbook discrimination.
She stated that the bill goes against history and science and
reiterated that she strongly opposed it.
8:39:54 AM
JAMES MCILMAIL, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
183. He stated that he agreed with a prior testifier who
related that the percentage of trans girls in Alaska would be
very low, and he opined that the committee is wasting their time
on ultra conservative, reactionary forces trying to legislate
morality. There is nothing wrong with adolescent children
playing together, he said.
8:41:45 AM
VALERRAIANE DATTAN, representing self, testified in opposition
to HB 183. She said that she admired dedication to women's
rights and protecting girls in their athletic pursuits, but she
opined that the bill is a thinly veiled attack on trans girls
and is discriminatory against a vulnerable and marginalized
population. She said HB 183 violates privacy rights and there
are other issues that should be addressed. Trans girls are
girls, she said, and she begged the committee not to support HB
183.
8:43:21 AM
LYNN HALLFORD, representing self, testified in support of HB 183
and thanked the committee for bringing the bill forward. She
offered her belief that the bill supported fairness for girls
and sports and that there are biological differences between
boys and girls. She related instances as to what happens when
boys are allowed to play girls sports and encouraged the
committee to support the bill and "keep it going." She
concluded by thanking committee members for their hard work.
8:44:10 AM
BROOK BEVERIDGE, representing self, testified in opposition to
HB 183. She opined that the bill is discriminatory against
trans children, and she emphasized that "children" are under
discussion. The bill targets transgender athletes and could
lead to further stigmatization and isolation of trans students
which undermines their safety and social and emotional
development, she said. All persons should be allowed to
participate in sports, and she urged the committee to focus on
"things that actually matter" in the state.
8:45:51 AM
RITA TROMETTER, representing self, testified in support of HB
183 and stated that there is no fairness in sports when females
must compete against trans who were born male and transgender is
not a level field in sports, she said. She opined that being
transgender is an unacceptable reason to steal scholarships from
females and that it is unfortunate that the education system
supports alternative lifestyles rather than improving students'
education. She asked to keep sports for the person of their
birth gender and support HB 183.
8:46:55 AM
MENEKA THIRU, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
183 and opined that "this type of legislation" often has a
negative impact not only on trans girls but on cis girls. She
stated that asking any student to comply with the bill violates
their right to privacy. The bill is being framed as a women's
rights bill, she said, and she offered her opinion that it is a
huge step backwards.
8:48:15 AM
KENNETH CARON, representing self, testified in support of HB
183. He offered his belief that the proposed legislation speaks
of citizens of the state, not one gender or another, and he
spoke of competition amongst youths. He added that he had seen
transgender girls become champions and questioned how
competitors are supposed to believe the trans girl does not have
an advantage. He said it was an unfair decision and thanked the
committee for allowing him to speak.
8:50:02 AM
KATE JOHNSON, representing self, testified in support of HB 183.
She thanked the committee for taking on "this controversial
topic" and that she supported protecting biological girls in
school sports. She said it is not worth the unnecessary risks
to have boys compete on girls' teams resulting in injuries.
Winning and losing only counts when competing against equal
rivals, and she expressed her gratitude that Alaska is looking
to protect girls in sports. She reiterated that she fully
supported HB 183.
8:50:58 AM
KATHY BURGOYNE, representing self, testified in support of HB
183. She stated that she and her husband are the parents of
adult children. She said that male puberty gives undeniable
strength and size advantages, and in the name of safety, she
pleaded to keep girls sports for biological girls and to vote
yes on HB 183.
8:51:42 AM
MEGHAN GERVAIS, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
183. She opined that the bill is inhumane to trans people and
related that she is the parent of a trans child. Trans kids are
people, and she offered her belief that that gets lost in
"discussions like this." She stated that in terms of harm,
there is minimal harm in girls competing against trans girls,
but the potential harm done to trans kids who are excluded from
participating in sports is tremendous.
8:53:32 AM
JACQUELYN GOFORTH, representing self, testified in support of HB
183. She offered examples of her own children and the "enormous
difference" in physiology between males and females. It would
be very evident if a female "went up against" a male, she
observed. She gave further examples of changes when one hits
puberty and reiterated that males and females have inherent
qualities that make them different, which she briefly expounded
on.
8:55:44 AM
CO-CHAIR ALLARD offered an email address for those who could not
testify. After ascertaining no one else wished to testify, she
closed public testimony on HB 183.
8:56:18 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY thanked the testifiers and said because of
constitutional issues, she would not support the legislation.
She further expressed her concern over the discrimination that
trans children would face.
8:57:07 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCKAY moved to report HB 183 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes.
8:57:26 AM
Representatives McCormick and Story objected.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives McKay, Prax,
Allard, and Ruffridge voted in favor of HB 183. Representatives
McCormick, Himschoot, and Story voted against it. Therefore, HB
183 was reported out of the House Education Standing Committee
by a vote of 4-3.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 183 ver A.pdf |
HEDC 3/25/2024 8:00:00 AM |
HB 183 |
| HB 183 ver A Fiscal Note 12.18.23.pdf |
HEDC 3/25/2024 8:00:00 AM |
HB 183 |
| HB183 - Sectional Analysis 3.14.2024.pdf |
HEDC 3/25/2024 8:00:00 AM |
HB 183 |
| HB183 - Sponsor Statement 3.14.2024.pdf |
HEDC 3/25/2024 8:00:00 AM |
HB 183 |
| HB 183 Legal Memo 03.14.24.pdf |
HEDC 3/25/2024 8:00:00 AM |
HB 183 |
| HB 183 Support Emails.pdf |
HEDC 3/25/2024 8:00:00 AM |
HB 183 |
| HB183 Email Testimony 1 Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/25/2024 8:00:00 AM |
HB 183 |
| HB183 Email Testimony 2 Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/25/2024 8:00:00 AM |
HB 183 |
| HB183 Email Testimony 3 Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/25/2024 8:00:00 AM |
HB 183 |
| HB183 Email Testimony 4 Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/25/2024 8:00:00 AM |
HB 183 |
| HB 183 Extra Comment Emails.pdf |
HEDC 3/25/2024 8:00:00 AM |
HB 183 |
| HB183 Email Testimony 5 Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/25/2024 8:00:00 AM |
HB 183 |