WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 6359 · 119th Congress

Pregnant Students’ Rights Act

Passed HouseDrafted by AI, awaiting review by two peopleEducation
IntroducedDec 2, 2025
Passed HouseJan 22, 2026
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Jan 26, 2026: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 303. The House passed it 217–211. From Iowa: Ashley Hinson sponsors it; Randy Feenstra cosponsors it. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House. It would change 1 section of existing law.

How this bill changes the law

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H.R. 6359 would change 1 section of existing law. Read from the bill text as placed on the Senate calendar (Jan 26, 2026).

20 U.S.C. 1092 Institutional and financial assistance information for students

What the words would change: every change, in place (1)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

  1. 20 U.S.C. 1092added (n)by H.R. 6359 Sec. 2

    (n) Pregnant Students’ Rights, Accommodations, and Resources.—(1) In general.— Each institution of higher education participating in any program under this title shall carry out the information dissemination activities described in paragraph (3) for prospective and enrolled students (including those attending or planning to attend less than full time) regarding the information described in paragraph (2) on the rights of, and resources (including protections and accommodations) for, pregnant students to carry a baby to term and students who may become pregnant while enrolled at such institution of higher education to carry a baby to term.(2) Information content.— The information described in this paragraph is the following:(A) A list of resources on campus and in the community that exist to help a pregnant student in carrying the baby to term and caring for the baby after birth.(B) Information about the accommodations available to help a pregnant student carry the baby to term and parent the baby after birth.(C) Information on how to file a complaint with—(i) the Department of Education, if a student believes there was a violation by the institution of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.) on account of such student’s determination to carry a baby to term; and(ii) the institution, if a student believes the student has been discriminated against in violation of such title IX on account of the student’s determination to carry a baby to term.(3) Information dissemination activities.— The information dissemination activities described in this paragraph shall include—(A) an email to each enrolled student at least once each academic year; and(B) the provision of information—(i) in student handbooks, if any;(ii) at each orientation for enrolled students;(iii) at student health or counseling centers, if any; and(iv) on the publicly available website of the institution of higher education.(4) Rule of construction.— Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to require the dissemination of additional information, or establish additional rights, beyond the information and rights included in this subsection.

    The bill says: Section 485 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092) is amended by adding at the end the following:

    Bill text · Current law (20 U.S.C. 1092)

From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

Bill text used: Engrossed in House (passed the House January 22, 2026; not yet law) · updated Oct 28, 2026

This breakdown was drafted by AI from the official documents and passed our automatic checks: every quoted word was found in its source, and every number comes from an official record. Because this bill is high-profile, two people with different politics must review it before we mark it reviewed. Tap any small number to see the exact words a sentence rests on.

At a glance

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What it would mean for you

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If you are a college student

A yearly notice about pregnancy support

  • Your school would email you at least once a year about resources for carrying a pregnancy to term and parenting after birth.
    3an email to each enrolled student at least once each academic year[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(3)(A)A list of resources on campus and in the community that exist to help a pregnant student in carrying the baby to term and caring for the baby after birth.[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(A)
  • You would also find it in the handbook, at orientation, at the health center and on the school website.
    3in student handbooks, if any;[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(3)(B)(i)at each orientation for enrolled students;[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(3)(B)(ii)at student health or counseling centers, if any; and[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(3)(B)(iii)on the publicly available website of the institution of higher education[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(3)(B)(iv)
  • It would tell you how to complain to the school or the Education Department if you face bias for deciding to carry to term.
    3the institution, if a student believes the student has been discriminated against in violation of such title IX[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(C)(ii)the Department of Education, if a student believes there was a violation by the institution of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(C)(i)on account of such student’s determination to carry a baby to term[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(C)(i)
  • The bill does not require information on other pregnancy outcomes. A House vote to say schools may share it fell short, 213 to 216.
    1,3,9on the rights of, and resources (including protections and accommodations) for, pregnant students to carry a baby to term[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(1)Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent an institution of higher education from providing medically accurate and comprehensive information and resources about sexual and reproductive health services, including information and resources related to contraception and abortion[9] Congressional Record, House, January 22, 2026 (H1325-H1330) · H1330, motion to recommit2026-01-22 17:05:00 | House floor actions | On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 213 - 216 (Roll no. 46).[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, January 22, 2026

If you work at a college

A new notice to send

  • Every college in the federal student aid programs would have to send and post this notice.
    3Each institution of higher education participating in any program under this title shall carry out the information dissemination activities described in paragraph (3)[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(1)
  • The Education Department could not require more information or create new rights under this section.
    3Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to require the dissemination of additional information, or establish additional rights, beyond the information and rights included in this subsection.[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(4)

If you live in Iowa

Your representatives wrote and backed it

What this bill does not do

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  • It is not law. The Senate has not voted on it.
    12026-01-26 | Senate | Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 303.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, January 26, 2026
  • It does not change Title IX, the law that bans sex discrimination in schools, including pregnancy bias.
    3,6the Department of Education, if a student believes there was a violation by the institution of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(C)(i)Title IX protects all pregnant women and all conditions related to a pregnancy--those who carry to term, those who suffer a pregnancy loss, and those who choose to have an abortion.[6] H. Rept. 119-447 · Minority views
  • It does not give the Education Department power to add rights or required information.
    3Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to require the dissemination of additional information, or establish additional rights, beyond the information and rights included in this subsection.[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(4)
  • It does not say what specific resources colleges must list.
    3,9This bill also does not provide medical advice or dictate what specific resources colleges and universities may list.[9] Congressional Record, House, January 22, 2026 (H1325-H1330) · H1329, Rep. WalbergA list of resources on campus and in the community that exist to help a pregnant student in carrying the baby to term and caring for the baby after birth.[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(A)

Current law vs. the bill

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Every place the bill changes existing law. On the left, the law as it stands today, quoted from the U.S. Code. On the right, the bill's words.

20 U.S.C. 1092 (Higher Education Act sec. 485), new subsection (n)New subsection

Current law

Each eligible institution participating in any program under this subchapter shall carry out information dissemination activities for prospective and enrolled students
11Each eligible institution participating in any program under this subchapter shall carry out information dissemination activities for prospective and enrolled students[11] 20 U.S.C. 1092, Institutional and financial assistance information for students (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (a)(1)

Colleges already must share many kinds of information with students, such as costs and campus safety, but nothing on pregnancy.

The bill

on the rights of, and resources (including protections and accommodations) for, pregnant students to carry a baby to term
3on the rights of, and resources (including protections and accommodations) for, pregnant students to carry a baby to term[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(1)
In plain words: Adds pregnancy rights and resources to the information colleges must share.
3,6Each institution of higher education participating in any program under this title shall carry out the information dissemination activities described in paragraph (3)[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(1)on the rights of, and resources (including protections and accommodations) for, pregnant students to carry a baby to term[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(1)Section 485 of the HEA requires colleges and universities that receive Title IV funding (student aid) to provide information on a variety of topics to prospective and enrolled students.[6] H. Rept. 119-447 · Committee views

What the bill decides, and what it leaves to others

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Written into the bill

These take effect exactly as written.

  • What goes in the notice, and how often and where it is shared, are set in the bill.
    3A list of resources on campus and in the community that exist to help a pregnant student in carrying the baby to term and caring for the baby after birth.[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(A)Information about the accommodations available to help a pregnant student carry the baby to term and parent the baby after birth.[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(B)an email to each enrolled student at least once each academic year[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(3)(A)

Left to agencies or states

The real effect depends on rules someone else writes later.

  • Each college decides which campus and community resources to list.
    3,9A list of resources on campus and in the community that exist to help a pregnant student in carrying the baby to term and caring for the baby after birth.[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(A)This bill also does not provide medical advice or dictate what specific resources colleges and universities may list.[9] Congressional Record, House, January 22, 2026 (H1325-H1330) · H1329, Rep. Walberg
  • The Education Department handles complaints under Title IX, but can't add requirements under this section.
    3the Department of Education, if a student believes there was a violation by the institution of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(C)(i)Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to require the dissemination of additional information, or establish additional rights, beyond the information and rights included in this subsection.[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(4)

Section by section

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Read all 4 sections in plain words
Sec. 1 Short title
Names the bill the Pregnant Students' Rights Act.
3This Act may be cited as the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act.[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 1
Sec. 2(n)(1)-(2) What colleges must share
Colleges in federal student aid programs must share information on rights and resources for students to carry a pregnancy to term.
3Each institution of higher education participating in any program under this title shall carry out the information dissemination activities described in paragraph (3)[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(1)on the rights of, and resources (including protections and accommodations) for, pregnant students to carry a baby to term[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(1)
 This covers current and future students, part-time students and students who may become pregnant.
3Each institution of higher education participating in any program under this title shall carry out the information dissemination activities described in paragraph (3)[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(1)students who may become pregnant while enrolled at such institution of higher education to carry a baby to term[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(1)
 The notice lists resources, accommodations and how to file Title IX complaints with the school or the Education Department.
3A list of resources on campus and in the community that exist to help a pregnant student in carrying the baby to term and caring for the baby after birth.[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(A)Information about the accommodations available to help a pregnant student carry the baby to term and parent the baby after birth.[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(B)the institution, if a student believes the student has been discriminated against in violation of such title IX[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(C)(ii)the Department of Education, if a student believes there was a violation by the institution of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(2)(C)(i)
Sec. 2(n)(3) How they share it
By yearly email, in handbooks, at orientation, at health or counseling centers and online.
3an email to each enrolled student at least once each academic year[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(3)(A)in student handbooks, if any;[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(3)(B)(i)at each orientation for enrolled students;[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(3)(B)(ii)at student health or counseling centers, if any; and[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(3)(B)(iii)on the publicly available website of the institution of higher education[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(3)(B)(iv)
Sec. 2(n)(4) Limit on the Education Department
The Secretary of Education can't require more information or create added rights under this section.
3Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to require the dissemination of additional information, or establish additional rights, beyond the information and rights included in this subsection.[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(4)

What changed between versions

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2 steps, from first draft to final text

From the House bill as introduced to the committee's version (House)

  • The committee fixed a grammar error, changing rights to into rights of.
    3,5,6regarding the information described in paragraph (2) on the rights to, and resources[5] Introduced in House (December 2, 2025) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(1)regarding the information described in paragraph (2) on the rights of, and resources[3] Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Sec. 2 → inserted (n)(1)Representative Miller offered an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute that made a technical change to fix a grammatical error.[6] H. Rept. 119-447 · Committee consideration
  • It rejected a Democratic amendment, 13 to 21, saying colleges may share contraception and abortion information.
    6Representative Bonamici offered an amendment to add a rule of construction stating that the bill does not prevent colleges from providing information about contraception and abortion. The amendment failed by a recorded vote of 13-21.[6] H. Rept. 119-447 · Committee consideration

From the committee's version (House) to the House-passed text

  • The House passed the committee's text. A final try to add the same contraception and abortion language failed, 213 to 216.
    1,92026-01-22 17:05:00 | House floor actions | On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 213 - 216 (Roll no. 46).[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, January 22, 2026Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent an institution of higher education from providing medically accurate and comprehensive information and resources about sexual and reproductive health services, including information and resources related to contraception and abortion[9] Congressional Record, House, January 22, 2026 (H1325-H1330) · H1330, motion to recommit

Cost

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  • The Congressional Budget Office said it would not change federal student aid spending, since colleges would comply to stay eligible.
    6CBO estimates enacting the bill would have no effect on federal spending for student aid[6] H. Rept. 119-447 · CBO cost estimate
  • It said the Education Department's cost to carry it out would not be significant.
    6CBO estimates that the Department of Education's cost to implement H.R. 6359 would not be significant[6] H. Rept. 119-447 · CBO cost estimate

Analysis

Analysis

Every bill gets the same five questions. Arguments are attributed to the people who made them, and each side gets about the same space.

Path to law

Balance of power

Coalitions

Precedent

  • Hinson filed the same bill in 2024. The committee approved it 24 to 17, but it did not become law.
    6On January 5, 2024, Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced H.R. 6914, the Pregnant Students' Rights Act.[6] H. Rept. 119-447 · Legislative historyreported it favorably, as amended, to the House of Representatives by a recorded vote of 24-17[6] H. Rept. 119-447 · Legislative history

The strongest case on each side

For

Against

  • It requires only partial information about Title IX rights and gives nothing for students who need an abortion for medical reasons.
    9this bill requires schools to distribute only partial information about a student's rights under Title IX and selective information and resources that solely encourage students to carry a pregnancy to term[9] Congressional Record, House, January 22, 2026 (H1325-H1330) · H1325, Rep. ScottIt provides no information about rights and accommodations for students who may find themselves in a medical situation that requires an abortion.[9] Congressional Record, House, January 22, 2026 (H1325-H1330) · H1325, Rep. Scott
    Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), ranking member, Education and Workforce Committee
  • It leaves out family planning information and supports only students who carry to term, not those with other outcomes.
    9It does not include information about comprehensive family planning resources, and it only supports pregnant students who carry a baby to term.[9] Congressional Record, House, January 22, 2026 (H1325-H1330) · H1329, Rep. Bonamicithe bill fails to support any student with a different pregnancy-related outcome[9] Congressional Record, House, January 22, 2026 (H1325-H1330) · H1329, Rep. Bonamici
    Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
  • Women should learn all their rights, not a hand-picked set; the groups called it an anti-abortion bill that ignores real barriers.
    9Congress should be making sure that women are aware of all of their rights, not just cherry-picking the ones that we want to highlight over others to make a point about abortion.[9] Congressional Record, House, January 22, 2026 (H1325-H1330) · H1326, Rep. McBatha thinly veiled anti-abortion law which would not address the key barriers to pregnant students' educational attainment[9] Congressional Record, House, January 22, 2026 (H1325-H1330) · H1328, letter in the RecordI include in the Record a letter from over 50 organizations[9] Congressional Record, House, January 22, 2026 (H1325-H1330) · H1327, Rep. Scott
    Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA) and over 50 groups in a letter

Did this make sense?

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Three quick questions. Your answers are anonymous and tell us which breakdowns need clearer writing.

1. What would colleges have to share?
2. How did the House vote?
3. What is the main objection from opponents?

How this was checked

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3 checks
  • Automatic: every quote matched its source; every number matched an official record.
  • H. Rept. 119-447, including minority views and CBO's estimate: Committee summary and CBO's description match the House-passed text. Both majority and minority views were read for balance.
  • House roll calls 46 and 47: Party and Iowa counts are taken from the roll call files.

Spot an error? See our corrections log and how to report one

Sources

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All 11 sources
  1. Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  2. Placed on Calendar Senate (January 26, 2026) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  3. Engrossed in House (January 22, 2026) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  4. Reported in House (January 14, 2026) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  5. Introduced in House (December 2, 2025) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  6. H. Rept. 119-447 · Committee report · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  7. House roll call 47 (January 22, 2026) · Roll call vote · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  8. House roll call 46 (January 22, 2026) · Roll call vote · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  9. Congressional Record, House, January 22, 2026 (H1325-H1330) · Congressional Record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  10. Congressional Record, House, January 22, 2026 (H1333-H1334) · Congressional Record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
  11. 20 U.S.C. 1092, Institutional and financial assistance information for students (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026

Official summary

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Pregnant Students' Rights Act

This bill requires each institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs to provide certain information to prospective and enrolled students on the rights and resources for pregnant students to carry a baby to term or students who may become pregnant while enrolled at the IHE to carry a baby to term.

In particular, this required information must include

• a list of community and on-campus resources that exist to help a pregnant student in carrying the baby to term and caring for the baby after birth,

• information about the accommodations available to help a pregnant student carry the baby to term and parent the baby after birth, and

• information on how to file a discrimination complaint related to the student's determination to carry a baby to term.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Dec 2, 2025).

What has happened

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  1. Jan 22, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 211 (Roll no. 47). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1325) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  2. Jan 14, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-447.Library of Congress
  3. Dec 2, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show all 22 recorded actions

Recorded votes

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  1. Jan 22, 2026 · HousePassed 217–211
    Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
    On Passage · needed a majority
    R 216 yes, 0 noD 1 yes, 211 noEach member · Record
1 other recorded vote (procedure and amendments)
  1. Jan 22, 2026 · HouseFailed 213–216
    Iowa: Randy Feenstra no, Ashley Hinson no, Mariannette Miller-Meeks no, Zachary Nunn no
    On Motion to Recommit · needed a majority
    R 0 yes, 216 noD 213 yes, 0 noEach member · Record

Cosponsors

From Iowa

Everyone else (2)

  • Mike Bost R-IL-12
  • John J. McGuire III R-VA-5