Minnesota Lawmakers Prepare to Address Transgender Girls in School Sports

State legislators plan to introduce bills to designate school sports teams as girls', boys', or coed.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Minnesota's legislative session is set to begin in less than two weeks, and state lawmakers are preparing to address the issue of transgender girls participating in girls' sports. Sen. Carla Nelson, a Republican from Rochester, plans to draft a bill that would allow schools to designate teams as girls', boys', or coed, in an effort to align with the state's Human Rights Act. Meanwhile, Rep. Andy Smith, a Democrat from Rochester, believes the issue should not be a top priority for lawmakers, and that they should instead focus on federal activity in the state and public safety concerns.

Why it matters

The participation of transgender girls in school sports has been a contentious issue, with some arguing that it provides an unfair advantage and others arguing that it is a form of discrimination. This debate is playing out at the state level, as lawmakers seek to balance the rights of transgender students with the concerns of other athletes and parents.

The details

Sen. Nelson's proposed bill would allow schools to designate teams as girls', boys', or coed, which she believes would align with the state's Human Rights Act. Rep. Smith, however, believes the issue should not be a priority, and that lawmakers should instead focus on federal activity in the state and public safety concerns. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, 232,347 students participated in Minnesota school athletics during the 2024-25 school year, and a federal investigation identified 11 transgender students statewide.

  • Minnesota's legislative session begins in less than two weeks.
  • President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order stating that educational institutions receiving federal funding cannot deny women equal opportunities to participate in sports.

The players

Sen. Carla Nelson

A Republican state senator from Rochester, Minnesota, who plans to draft a bill that would allow schools to designate teams as girls', boys', or coed.

Rep. Andy Smith

A Democratic state representative from Rochester, Minnesota, who believes the issue of transgender girls in school sports should not be a top priority for lawmakers.

National Federation of State High School Associations

The organization that reported 232,347 students participated in Minnesota school athletics during the 2024-25 school year.

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What they’re saying

“That seems to have been one of the sticking points with girls' sports.”

— Sen. Carla Nelson, Republican state senator (kaaltv.com)

“Yesterday, when I heard a Republican colleague talk about this, I was on the street looking at a car that had been damaged by federal agents who were trying to locate the owner so we could contact the family.”

— Rep. Andy Smith, Democratic state representative (kaaltv.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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