The Riley Gaines Act would allow female student athletes to sue colleges and athletic associations in federal court if they are physically injured by competing against transgender athletes in women's sports. The bill permits lawsuits when institutions "negligently or recklessly" allow biologically male athletes to compete in female-only athletic competitions, and allows plaintiffs to recover damages for physical injuries as well as lost scholarships or professional opportunities. Prevailing female athletes would also have their attorney's fees paid by the defendants. The legislation does not establish new funding mechanisms or implementation timelines, but rather creates a legal pathway for individual lawsuits based on claims of injury from athletic competition. The bill was introduced in February 2026 and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.