Montana could lose an estimated $350 million in federal funding money that goes largely to student loans and Pell grants if a bill that aims to regulate transgender athletes becomes law, according to the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.
Ali Bovingdon, chief legal counsel for the Commissioner’s Office, said Thursday the university system plans to oppose that bill in the Senate. Rep. John Fuller, R-Whitefish, sponsored House Bill 112, which would require transgender female athletes to participate on a men’s team instead of a women’s team.
In a legislative update to the Montana Board of Regents, Bovingdon listed numerous concerns with the bill. She said it violates the NCAA’s policy on inclusion and gender equity, and if it were to pass, it could jeopardize Montana’s ability to host championship events.