Community youth athletics programs: sex or gender discrimination.

Assembly Member Irwin's legislation expands California's prohibition on gender discrimination in youth athletics to include school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools alongside existing requirements for cities, counties, and special districts. The measure applies to the operation of community youth athletics programs and the allocation of parks, recreation, and school facilities that support these activities.

The bill establishes specific criteria for courts to evaluate discrimination claims, including the selection of athletic programs, allocation of equipment and supplies, scheduling of games and practices, coaching opportunities, facility access, and officiating standards. Courts must assess whether athletic opportunities are provided in numbers proportionate to gender representation in the community or if underrepresented groups' interests have been fully accommodated by existing programs and resources.

Local agencies and educational institutions facing discrimination claims will be evaluated on factors such as their provision of financial resources, facility access, and support services. The legislation preserves existing consent decrees addressing gender equity in athletics while creating an independent right to pursue civil actions for injunctive relief or damages. If the Commission on State Mandates determines the measure creates new local costs, affected agencies would receive state reimbursement under established procedures.