H.R. 2616 — Introduced in House

I 119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2616 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 3, 2025Mr. Walberg introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce A BILL 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. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Parental Rights Over The Education and Care of Their Kids Act or the PROTECT Kids Act. 2. Requirement related to gender markers, pronouns, and preferred names on school forms (a) Requirement As a condition of receiving funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), a public school that receives funds under such Act shall be required to obtain parental consent before changing a covered student’s— (1) gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form; or (2) sex-based accommodations, including locker rooms or bathrooms. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered student The term covered student means a minor who is— (A) an elementary school student; or (B) a student in any of the middle grades. (2) ESEA terms The terms elementary school, middle grades, and parent have the meanings given such terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).