Right to Read Act of 2025
Right to Read Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Right to Read Act of 2025 - Summary **What it does:** This bill aims to improve reading and literacy instruction in American schools by reauthorizing and expanding federal funding programs through 2030. It would fund grants that help states develop high-quality reading and writing instruction, support literacy programs in low-income communities, and allow schools to use existing education funds to hire and retain school librarians. The bill also outlines certain protections related to school libraries and students' access to reading materials. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects K-12 students, especially those in low-income areas, as well as schools and states that receive federal education funding.
School librarians and educators would also be impacted through expanded support for their positions and professional development. **Key takeaway:** The legislation represents an effort to strengthen literacy education across the country by increasing resources for reading instruction and school library programs. It's currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Right to Read Act of 2025This bill expands access to school libraries and literacy skills support for elementary and secondary school students. It also outlines certain constitutional rights and liability protections related to school libraries.Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2030 (1) the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program, which provides grants to ensure high-quality instruction and effective strategies in reading and writing for children through 12th grade; and (2) the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program, which provides grants to support the development of literacy skills in low-income communities.Additionally, the bill allows Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants to be used to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools in recruiting, hiring, and retaining state-certified school librarians.Further, the bill authorizes states and LEAs to use Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants for programs and activities that promote the development of digital literacy and information literacy skills.The Department of Education (ED) must direct the National Center for Education Statistics to biennially collect data on school libraries.ED must require an assurance from each state and LEA receiving certain funds confirming that it will (1) protect the First Amendment rights of students in school libraries, and (2) provide equal protection in the conduct of school libraries in compliance with the requirements of the Fourteenth Amendment and nondiscrimination laws.The bill also provides liability protection to teachers, school librarians, school leaders, paraprofessionals, and other staff for actions that conform with state or local policies regarding the right to read.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.