To authorize the Secretary of Education to provide grants to local educational agencies to cover the costs of challenges to determinations not to discontinue the use of specific instructional materials, or the availability of specific school library materials, in public elementary and secondary schools, and for other purposes.

# Summary of HR 7691 **What the Bill Would Do** HR 7691 would authorize the U.S. Secretary of Education to provide federal grants to local school districts to help them cover legal and administrative costs when they challenge decisions to remove books or instructional materials from schools. In other words, if a school district wants to keep a book in their library or curriculum that someone has challenged for removal, the federal government could help pay for the legal process to defend that decision. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily affect local school districts, schools, and students by providing financial support for defending materials in their collections.

It addresses the growing number of challenges to school materials across the country—a practice that has increased significantly in recent years. By funding these legal defenses, the bill aims to help districts that might otherwise lack resources to fight removal challenges, potentially ensuring broader access to diverse reading materials in schools. **Current Status** HR 7691 was introduced by Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill has not advanced beyond the initial committee stage.