February 4, 2026
Mr. McGuire introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
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.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Riley Gaines Act
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Sec. 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.