Title IX Clarification Act of 2026
Latest action (30 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
**What the bill would do:** S. 5179 would amend Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 by adding statutory definitions of "sex," "female," and "male." It defines "sex" as an individual's biologically determined sex, either male or female. "Female" is defined as a person who has, had, or would have (absent a congenital anomaly or other disruption) a reproductive system that produces, transports, and uses the large gamete (ova). "Male" is defined similarly but referencing the reproductive system associated with the small gamete (sperm). These definitions would apply for purposes of nondiscrimination requirements under Title IX in education programs receiving federal financial assistance.
**Who it affects:** The bill would affect schools, colleges, and other educational institutions that receive federal funding, since Title IX's nondiscrimination protections apply to them. It would also affect how federal agencies and courts interpret sex-based discrimination claims under Title IX, including issues related to athletics, facilities, and other sex-segregated programs, by establishing a specific biological definition of sex in the statute.
**Where it stands:** The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 30, 2026, by Senator Marsha Blackburn along with several cosponsors, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It would need to be approved by that committee, pass the full Senate and House, and be signed by the President before becoming law. No further action has occurred beyond introduction.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 30, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5179 do?
- **What the bill would do:** S. 5179 would amend Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 by adding statutory definitions of "sex," "female," and "male." It defines "sex" as an individual's biologically determined sex, either male or female. "Female" is defined as a person who has, had, or would have (absent a congenital anomaly or other disruption) a reproductive system that produces, transports, and uses the large gamete (ova). "Male" is defined similarly but referencing the reproductive system associated with the small gamete (sperm). These definitions would apply for purposes of nondiscrimination requirements under Title IX in education programs receiving federal financial assistance. **Who it affects:** The bill would affect schools, colleges, and other educational institutions that receive federal funding, since Title IX's nondiscrimination protections apply to them. It would also affect how federal agencies and courts interpret sex-based discrimination claims under Title IX, including issues related to athletics, facilities, and other sex-segregated programs, by establishing a specific biological definition of sex in the statute. **Where it stands:** The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 30, 2026, by Senator Marsha Blackburn along with several cosponsors, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It would need to be approved by that committee, pass the full Senate and House, and be signed by the President before becoming law. No further action has occurred beyond introduction.
- Has S. 5179 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Jul 2026, S. 5179 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5179?
- S. 5179 was sponsored by Sen. Marsha Blackburn [R-TN] (Republican-TN), with 12 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5179?
- Introduced (30 Jul 2026).
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