Right to Read Act of 2025
Congress Proposes $600 Million to Boost School Libraries and Protect Students' Right to Read
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
↔Companion bill: Congress Proposes $600 Million Yearly to Support School Libraries and Protect Student Access to Diverse BooksLegislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill aims to make sure every student has access to a high-quality school library and a certified librarian. It defines a "right to read" as having access to diverse books, proper reading lessons, and the freedom to choose what to read.
- Congress would set aside $500 million for literacy programs and $100 million to help schools hire more librarians, especially in high-need areas. It also requires states to track whether low-income and minority students have the same access to libraries as others.
- The policy includes new protections for teachers and librarians. They would be protected from being sued as long as they are following their school's "right to read" policies when helping students find books.
- Schools would have to promise to protect students' First Amendment rights. This means school boards cannot remove books from libraries just because they do not like the ideas or opinions in them.
- The government would start collecting data every two years on school libraries. This includes counting how many librarians are on staff, what kind of books are available, and how much time librarians spend teaching students.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
The bill directs the National Center for Education Statistics (a federal agency) to conduct biennial data collection on school libraries across all states, creating new reporting responsibilities. However, this is primarily an administrative task rather than a direct impact on federal workers' employment conditions.
Disabilities
Broader Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
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U.S. Congress Members Reintroduce Federal 'Right to Read' Act
Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Adelita Grijalva have introduced legislation to surge federal investment in literacy and combat school censorship. The bill reauthorizes the Comprehensive Literacy State Development program and provides liability protections for educators following 'right to read' policies.
As Book Bans Rise, Federal Lawmakers Push for 'Right to Read' Protections
Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) are leading a bicameral effort to protect school libraries. The Right to Read Act would provide federal funding to ensure every student has access to a certified librarian and shield staff from politically motivated litigation.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Right to Read Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(27)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.