Stop Secret Counseling of Students Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7981
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-18: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-30T19:41:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to restrict the use of federal education funds by public schools that provide certain types of counseling on gender identity to students under age 18. The short title is the "Stop Secret Counseling of Students Act."
Key Provisions
- Adds a new section (8549D) to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
- Prohibits federal funds under the Act from going to any public elementary or secondary school that allows employees or contractors to:
- Provide counseling, therapy, or guidance related to gender identity to students under 18, including help creating gender support or social transition plans.
- Encourage students to hide information about their gender identity or social transition from parents.
- Offer guidance to students on how to conceal such information from parents.
- Creates a right for parents to file a civil lawsuit in federal district court seeking an injunction against a violating school.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces new conditions on the receipt of Elementary and Secondary Education Act funds that did not previously exist.
- Establishes a federal private right of action allowing parents to seek court orders against schools for violations, which is not part of the current Elementary and Secondary Education Act framework for these issues.
Potential Impacts
- Schools receiving Elementary and Secondary Education Act funds may need to adjust policies and employee training to avoid losing federal money.
- Parents gain a direct legal tool to challenge school practices involving gender identity discussions with minors.
- Federal agencies responsible for distributing education funds may need to monitor compliance with the new restrictions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Public elementary and secondary schools and their employees or contractors.
- Parents of students under 18.
- Students under 18 who may seek or receive gender-related counseling at school.
- State and local education agencies that administer Elementary and Secondary Education Act programs.
- The U.S. Department of Education, which oversees fund distribution.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill conditions federal education funding on specific behavioral requirements for school staff, which raises questions about the scope of congressional spending power.
- It creates a new federal cause of action for parents, potentially increasing litigation in federal courts.
- The provisions focus on parental access to information about students and limits on school involvement in gender identity matters for minors.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-18: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-03-18: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Stop Secret Counseling of Students Act — issued 2026-03-18 — PDF (3 pages)