HB4138, titled the Restoring Biological Truth in Government Act, would bar executive agencies from asking about an individual’s gender identity on federal forms or surveys. It would also require federal forms and surveys to offer only two response options for sex or gender: male and female. If a form includes a required sex or gender question, agencies would be directed to reject submissions that provide any other response.
The bill further directs the Office of Management and Budget to issue implementation guidance within 180 days of enactment. It defines key terms such as executive agency, sex, gender, male, female, and gender identity, and expressly excludes gender identity, gender expression, and gender roles from the definition of gender. In practical terms, the bill would standardize federal data collection around a binary sex classification and prohibit agencies from collecting gender identity information through forms or surveys covered by the bill.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would change federal administrative practice across executive agencies by limiting how they collect demographic information on forms and surveys. It would affect agencies in the executive branch broadly, including departments, independent regulatory agencies, military departments, government corporations, and the Executive Office of the President. The measure would likely require revisions to existing forms, survey instruments, and data-collection guidance, and could affect federal reporting, program administration, and demographic analysis that currently includes gender identity fields.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed by its sponsors as a clarification of biological sex in federal records and data collection. There is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, so no formal bipartisan support or opposition can be measured from the record here. The title and definitions suggest the bill is intended to appeal to supporters of sex-based definitions in government forms, while likely drawing criticism from those who favor inclusion of gender identity in federal data collection.
Contention
The central point of contention is whether federal agencies should be allowed or required to collect gender identity information, and whether sex and gender should be limited to male and female on government forms. Supporters are likely to argue that the bill restores clarity and consistency in federal definitions and data practices. Opponents would likely object that it erases or excludes transgender and nonbinary people from federal data collection, potentially reducing the accuracy of agency data and affecting access to services, research, and civil rights enforcement. No specific committee objections or recorded votes are available in the provided materials.