Empower Parents to Protect their Kids Act

Schools that take federal money would need a parent's OK before treating a child as a different gender.

More about this bill

If your child is under 18, school staff would need your clear OK before treating them as a gender that differs from their sex. The bill defines sex as male or female, as determined by biology. The rule covers any school "accommodation" meant to affirm such an identity, but the bill does not list specific steps. It also covers sending a child to an outside doctor for gender care. Staff could not hide from you that your child is unhappy with their sex or wants to change gender. They could not urge children to keep this from you. They also could not push parents or children toward these steps. A school that breaks these rules would get no federal money. The rules reach public and nonprofit private schools that take federal funds. Each school would need a written policy, sent to families and posted on its website. State and local school agencies asking for federal aid would have to explain how their schools will comply. A parent or guardian harmed by a violation, or the U.S. Attorney General, could sue a school or school district. They would not have to try a complaint process first. A winning plaintiff would get legal fees. Courts would also order payment for treatment the parent and the child's doctors find needed to repair harm from gender transition. If a court finds a suit frivolous, whoever sued would pay the school's legal fees. Staff could still contact legal authorities if they suspect a student is at risk of physical abuse.