Title IX Clarification Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (8 Sep 2026): Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 698.
What this bill does
H.R. 8781, the Title IX Clarification Act of 2026, would amend Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This bill would define the terms "sex," "female," and "male" for the purposes of Title IX. Specifically, it defines "sex" as an individual's biologically determined sex, either male or female. The bill also provides definitions for "female" and "male" based on the reproductive system's capacity to produce gametes.
Under this bill, Title IX's prohibition on sex discrimination would apply only to biological sex as defined. This legislation would affect educational institutions receiving federal financial assistance by potentially altering how sex discrimination is understood and enforced within their programs and activities. The bill's definitions of "female" and "male" are tied to the natural production of ova or sperm, respectively, with exceptions for disruptions.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 13, 2026, and has been ordered reported by the House Committee on Education and Workforce with an amendment. It was ordered to be printed on September 8, 2026. The next step for this bill would be consideration by the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Title IX Clarification Act of 2026
This bill defines the terms sex, female, and male for purposes of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs that receive federal financial assistance.
Specifically, the bill defines sex as an individual’s biologically determined sex, as either male or female. Therefore, Title IX's prohibition on sex discrimination only applies to biological sex under the bill.
The bill defines female, when used with respect to a natural person, as an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for a congenital anomaly, historical accident, or intentional or unintentional disruption, the reproductive system that at some point produces, transports, and utilizes the large gamete (ova) for fertilization.
The bill defines male, when used with respect to a natural person, as an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for a congenital anomaly, historical accident, or intentional or unintentional disruption, the reproductive system that at some point produces, transports, and utilizes the small gamete (sperm) for fertilization.
(A January 20, 2025, executive order stated that it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes—male and female—which are not changeable. On February 4, 2025, the Department of Education announced its intent to enforce its Title IX regulations consistent with this executive order. For more information on the status of these regulations, see LBS11279.)
Timeline
8 Sep 2026
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 698.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 8781 do?
- H.R. 8781, the Title IX Clarification Act of 2026, would amend Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This bill would define the terms "sex," "female," and "male" for the purposes of Title IX. Specifically, it defines "sex" as an individual's biologically determined sex, either male or female. The bill also provides definitions for "female" and "male" based on the reproductive system's capacity to produce gametes. Under this bill, Title IX's prohibition on sex discrimination would apply only to biological sex as defined. This legislation would affect educational institutions receiving federal financial assistance by potentially altering how sex discrimination is understood and enforced within their programs and activities. The bill's definitions of "female" and "male" are tied to the natural production of ova or sperm, respectively, with exceptions for disruptions. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 13, 2026, and has been ordered reported by the House Committee on Education and Workforce with an amendment. It was ordered to be printed on September 8, 2026. The next step for this bill would be consideration by the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union.
- Has H.R. 8781 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 8781. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 8781?
- H.R. 8781 was sponsored by Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19] (R-TX), with 44 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8781?
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 698. (8 Sep 2026).
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