H.R. 2616 — Reported in House

IB Union Calendar No. 377 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 2616 [Report No. 119–441] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 3, 2025Mr. Walberg introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce January 13, 2026Additional sponsors: Mr. Owens, Mrs. Miller of Illinois, Mr. Onder, and Mr. Kiley of California January 13, 2026Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printedStrike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italicFor text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on April 3, 2025 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. Parental consent requirement related to gender markers, pronouns, and preferred names on school forms and sex-based accommodations (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 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). January 13, 2026Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed