Bill would define sex in Title IX by reproductive biology, not gender identity
Placed on the calendarH.R. 8781Latest action
Sponsor: Jodey C. Arrington · Representative · TX
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Title IX Clarification Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Education
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 8781 would legally define "sex" in Title IX as strictly biological, excluding gender identity from protections.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 8781 would change Title IX's definition of "sex" to mean only biologically male or female, based on whether a person's reproductive system produces sperm or eggs. It adds detailed legal definitions of "male" and "female" tied to reproductive biology rather than gender identity, affecting rules on athletics, locker rooms, dormitories, and other sex-separated spaces.
Who does it affect?
This affects public schools, colleges, and universities that receive federal funding, along with their students, families, and staff. It would take effect immediately upon becoming law.
Why does it matter?
By defining sex strictly in biological terms, the bill would limit or exclude gender identity as a basis for Title IX protections, affecting transgender and nonbinary students' access to certain programs or spaces. It would also shape how the Department of Education and courts interpret Title IX going forward.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Reported in House” text of Sep 8, 2026.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 13, 2026
- House committee
- House voteYou are here · Sep 8, 2026
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 698.
See how a call works
How it's being covered
Coverage of this bill from across the press. Each outlet's political lean is labeled where AllSides has rated it, and marked "Not rated" where it has not.
Newest of these articles:
Coverage of this bill so far comes from one side of the spectrum. Read it with that in mind.
legalinsurrection.com
Not rated
insidehighered.com
Leans left
Lean labels describe the news outlet, not this bill or any party. Ratings by AllSides.