Education

HR 2616, the PROTECT Kids Act, requires public elementary and middle schools receiving federal education funding to obtain parental consent before changing a student's gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on school forms, or before assigning them to sex-based accommodations like locker rooms or bathrooms. The bill directly affects minor students in elementary school or middle grades (ages typically 5-14). Schools must secure this consent as a condition for maintaining federal funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The law focuses on specific administrative changes to student records and facility assignments, not broader educational content or curriculum.

HR 1069, the PROTECT Our Kids Act, prohibits federal funding for elementary and secondary schools that partner with Chinese government-funded programs like Confucius Institutes or Confucius Classrooms. The bill bans funds under applicable federal education programs from schools having such partnerships, effective one year after enactment. Schools with existing contracts before the bill's passage may request waivers by proving the partnership benefits students and supports U.S. security, though waivers expire when contracts end. The law directly affects schools receiving federal education funds and requires schools to comply within 90 days of enactment.

HR 881, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act, restricts Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding for colleges and universities that maintain relationships with China-funded Confucius Institutes or specific Chinese entities deemed "of concern." It prohibits DHS funding for institutions with ties to Confucius Institutes, the Thousand Talents Program, or Chinese universities involved in military-civil fusion, defense work, Uyghur persecution, election interference, or other activities listed in the bill. Institutions must terminate such relationships within one year of enactment to regain eligibility for DHS funds. The bill requires the DHS Secretary to report to Congress on any institutions violating this funding restriction. (3 sentences)