Right to Read Act of 2025

Key Points

• This bill aims to guarantee that all students have a 'right to read.' This includes access to high-quality reading instruction, a school library staffed by a certified librarian, and a wide variety of books that reflect different cultures and viewpoints.
• Congress would authorize $600 million in annual funding through 2030 to support literacy. Most of this money ($500 million) would go toward state grants for literacy programs, while $100 million would be used to help high-need schools hire more certified librarians and update their book collections.
• The policy requires states to monitor and report on whether low-income students, minority students, and students with disabilities have fair access to effective school libraries. The government would also collect data every two years on library facilities, staffing levels, and the types of books and digital tools available to kids.
• To address recent debates over book access, the bill requires schools to protect students' First Amendment rights. It states that school boards cannot remove library materials for political or partisan reasons or to try to limit students' exposure to certain ideas or opinions.
• The bill provides legal protection for teachers and librarians. It ensures they cannot be held personally liable or sued for providing books or materials to students as long as they are following their school's 'right to read' policies.

Votes

No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.