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PROTECT Kids Act

5/21/2026, 8:09 AM

Summary of Bill HR 2616

Bill 119 HR 2616, also known as the Parental Rights in Education Act, aims to require public elementary and middle schools that receive funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to obtain parental consent before making any changes to a minor's gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on school forms or in sex-based accommodations such as locker rooms or bathrooms.

The bill seeks to ensure that parents are involved in decisions regarding their child's gender identity and accommodations at school. It emphasizes the importance of parental consent in these matters and aims to protect the rights of parents to be informed and involved in decisions that may impact their child's well-being and education.

If passed, this legislation would require schools to seek permission from parents before making any changes to a student's gender identity information or accommodations. This includes obtaining consent before updating school records, changing pronouns or preferred names, or allowing access to sex-segregated facilities like locker rooms or bathrooms. Overall, Bill 119 HR 2616 highlights the importance of parental involvement in decisions related to a minor's gender identity and accommodations at school. It aims to ensure that parents are informed and have a say in these matters, ultimately seeking to protect the rights and interests of both parents and students in the education system.

Congressional Summary of HR 2616

Parental Rights Over The Education and Care of Their Kids Act or the PROTECT Kids Act

This bill requires public elementary and middle schools, as a condition of receiving certain federal funds for elementary and secondary education, to obtain parental consent before changing a student's gender on school forms or changing a student's sex-based accommodations.

Specifically, an elementary school or a school consisting of only grades 5-8 must obtain parental consent before changing a minor student's (1) gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form; or (2) sex-based accommodations, including locker rooms or bathrooms.

Current Status of Bill HR 2616

Bill HR 2616 is currently in the status of Passed in House since May 20, 2026. Bill HR 2616 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on April 3, 2025.  Bill HR 2616's most recent activity was Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. as of May 20, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2616

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
4
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
4
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2616

Primary Policy Focus

Education

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2616

PROTECT Kids Act
PROTECT Kids Act
Parental Rights Over The Education and Care of Their Kids Act
To require public elementary and middle schools that receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to obtain parental consent before changing a minor's gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form or sex-based accommodations, including locker rooms or bathrooms.

Comments

Alonso Callahan profile image

Alonso Callahan

857

16 days ago

I can't believe they're trying to pass this bill. It's just not right. Who is this going to impact?

Nova Copeland profile image

Nova Copeland

796

19 days ago

I heard about this new bill for kids, but I'm not sure what exactly it does. Can someone explain how it will impact families in the short term?

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