H.R. 2616Passed one chamberEducation
Schools would need parent consent for student gender changes
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 2616 would require public K–8 schools to get written parental consent before changing a student's gender markers, pronouns, name, or bathroom access.45-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This bill would require public elementary and middle schools to get written permission from a parent or guardian before changing a student's gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on school records, or before changing which bathrooms or locker rooms the student uses. The bill would also prohibit schools from using federal education funds to teach or promote concepts related to "gender ideology," a term defined by referencing a specific executive order.
Who does it affect?
These rules would apply to public elementary and middle schools that receive federal funding under the main federal K–12 education law, which covers the vast majority of public schools in the country.
Why does it matter?
Schools that do not comply could put their federal education funding at risk. Students whose parents are not contacted would not have changes made to their records or facility access under this law.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee
- House vote
- Senate — You are here
- President's desk
Right now: it passed the House and now goes to the Senate. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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How it's being covered
Real reporting on this bill, labeled by each outlet's political lean.
- House Shields Children from K-12 Transgender Pressure
breitbart.comMay 21, 2026Leans right
- H.R. 2616 Could Reshape Schools Far Beyond Pronouns
stephenslighthouse.comMay 28, 2026
- 8 House Democrats Join GOP in Vote to Defund Schools That Support Trans Youth
truthout.orgMay 22, 2026Leans left
- Schools hiding gender transitions from parents would lose federal funds under House-passed bill
nypost.comMay 20, 2026Leans right
Lean labels describe the news outlet, not this bill or any party. Ratings by AllSides.
Official title
PROTECT Kids Act
- Introduced:
- April 3, 2025
- Latest action:
- May 21, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.