Both measures are backed by the conservative political action committee Let’s Go Washington. I-638 would bar students classified as biologically male from competing in girls’ K-12 sports, and require female athletes to verify their sex using reproductive anatomy, genetics or naturally produced testosterone levels. Male athletes would not be subject to the verification process.

Tani Lindquist, a physical education teacher, parent and vice president of the Washington Education Association, said the measure could create obstacles for girls beyond its direct effect on transgender athletes.

She said it targets vulnerable students under the banner of protecting children and could make it harder for girls to participate in sports.

I-001 would restore the original wording of Washington’s Parents’ Bill of Rights, much of which was amended by Democratic lawmakers in 2025. Under the initiative, parents or guardians would generally be entitled to their student’s academic, medical and mental health counseling records within 10 business days, as well as access to classroom textbooks and curriculum.

The measure would also allow parents to opt students out of certain assignments and activities addressing topics including sexual experiences or attractions, family beliefs, religion, political affiliations and mental health. It would require immediate notification to parents if a criminal action is deemed to have been committed against or by their child.

Opponents say expanded disclosure could put some young people at risk, including LGBTQ+ students who have not told family members about their identity and fear possible consequences.

Joe Mizrahi, a Seattle school board director and parent, said current state law balances parental access with protections for students. He warned that rolling back those protections could endanger children in schools.

Let’s Go Washington founder Brian Heywood said the initiatives are grounded in what he called common sense, not partisanship. He described I-638 as a way to protect girls’ sports, and said the measure was written to involve female athletes and their doctors rather than coaches, teachers or referees. He denied that the initiative is intended to keep anyone from playing sports, while arguing that biological sex should determine which league athletes enter.

On I-001, Heywood said parents should be able to learn what is happening with their children at school. He also said the proposal preserves an exception when there is abuse at home, so parents would not have to be informed in those circumstances.

Supporters of one or both initiatives include Moms for Liberty, XX-XY Athletics and Washington Republicans, along with Let’s Go Washington. The No Hate in WA State campaign, which is opposing both measures, says it has endorsements from hundreds of organizations, including the Washington Education Association, Washington State Nurses Association, Washington State Labor Council and Washington State PTA.

Voters will decide both measures in the Nov. 3 election. The proposals put questions about student privacy, family access to school information and transgender students’ participation in athletics before voters statewide.