Riley Gaines Act

119 HR 7368 IH: Riley Gaines Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-02-04 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7368 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 4, 2026 Mr. McGuire introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To authorize civil actions against institutions of higher education and athletic associations that negligently or recklessly permit a biologically male student athlete to compete in an athletic competition intended exclusively for female student athletes, resulting in harm. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Riley Gaines Act . 2. Civil action for harm caused by biological men in female athletic competitions (a) In general If an institution of higher education or an athletic association negligently or recklessly permits a biologically male student athlete to compete in an athletic competition intended exclusively for female student athletes and a female student athlete is physically injured due to the inherent physiological advantages of the biologically male student athlete, such female student athlete may bring a civil action for damages (including the value of the loss of a scholarship or professional opportunity) in any Federal district court of appropriate jurisdiction against such institution or athletic association. (b) Attorney’s fees for plaintiff The court shall award a reasonable attorney’s fee to a prevailing plaintiff in a civil action under this section.