State by State · No law protecting girls’ sports
New Mexico has no law protecting girls' sports, and bills to create one died in 2021, 2025 and 2026. The state athletic association goes by the sex on a student's birth certificate, but it accepts amended certificates, so some males can still qualify for girls' teams.
The law in New Mexico
No state law
Past attempts
- 2021: HB 304, “Women’s Sports Protection Act,” tabled in House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee, Feb 26, 2021 (nmlegis.gov).
- 2025: HB 185, “Protection of Women’s Sports Act,” action postponed indefinitely (nmlegis.gov).
- 2026: HB 233, “Protection of Women’s Sports Act,” action postponed indefinitely Jan 29, 2026 (nmlegis.gov).
The law in detail, with sources
The law
No state law. Two “Protection of Women’s Sports Act” bills died recently: HB 185 (2025) and HB 233 (2026), both postponed indefinitely (HB 185, 2025; HB 233, 2026). The New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) handbook, Section 6.1, says “Participating students are required to compete in the gender listed on their original or amended birth certificate” (Albuquerque Journal via Yahoo, July 10, 2022).
Who it covers
NMAA member schools (high school).
Notes
The NMAA rule accepts an amended birth certificate, so a male whose birth certificate has been changed to female could qualify for girls’ teams. Equality New Mexico said in July 2026 that “New Mexico does not have any state law that addresses trans athletes in any way, shape, or form,” that school districts handle it differently, and that the Supreme Court ruling did not change New Mexico’s rules (KRWG, July 17, 2026). That is an advocate’s view, not official policy. We could not get the current NMAA handbook text to check whether Section 6.1 is still worded the same way.
Athletes in ICONS-backed lawsuits
- Susanna Price, track and field, swimming, from New Mexico · Gaines v. NCAA