Title IX Clarification Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (30 Jul 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
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
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
30 Jul 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
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?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5179. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5179?
- S. 5179 was sponsored by Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN] (R-TN), with 12 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5179?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (30 Jul 2026).
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