Bill
Bill > SB76
KS SB76
Requiring employees of school districts and postsecondary educational institutions to use the name and pronouns consistent with a student's biological sex and birth certificate and authorizing a cause of action for violations therefor.
summary
Introduced
01/27/2025
01/27/2025
In Committee
03/07/2025
03/07/2025
Crossed Over
02/25/2025
02/25/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT concerning education; relating to employees of school districts and postsecondary educational institutions; enacting the given name act to require such employees to use the name and pronouns consistent with a student's biological sex and birth certificate; authorizing a cause of action providing for the submission of civil complaints for violations therefor. WHEREAS, Employees of school districts and postsecondary educational institutions do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at work; and WHEREAS, Protecting the right to free speech for such employees promotes the important interests of students receiving informed opinions on matters of public concern, employee rights to disseminate their own opinions and exposing our children and future leaders to different viewpoints; and WHEREAS, The selection and use of pronouns in classrooms, on campuses and elsewhere is not merely an administrative or ministerial act, but instead is a matter of free speech and academic freedom as it communicates a message on a matter of public concern and shapes classroom discussion and debate. Now, therefore:
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Given Name Act, requires employees of school districts to address students only by names and pronouns that match the student's biological sex and birth certificate, unless they obtain written parental permission to do otherwise. The bill protects school district employees from adverse employment actions if they refuse to use a student's preferred name or pronouns that differ from their biological sex. Similarly, students cannot face disciplinary action for declining to use alternative names or pronouns. Parents of students can file written complaints with the school board if they believe an employee has violated these provisions, and the board must investigate and respond within 30 days. The bill allows for legal action, including injunctive relief and monetary damages, for individuals harmed by violations. Key definitions include "minor" as an unemancipated individual under 18, "parent" as a natural, adoptive, or legally authorized guardian, and "student" as an individual enrolled in a public school or postsecondary institution. The legislation aims to protect what it frames as free speech rights of employees and parental control over how students are addressed, while potentially restricting transgender and gender-nonconforming students' ability to be identified by their preferred names and pronouns.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Education (S)
Last Action
House Stricken from Calendar by Rule 1507 (on 03/21/2025)
Official Document
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