Legis Daily

Right to Read Act of 2023

USA118th CongressS-1307| Senate 
| Updated: 4/26/2023
Jack Reed

Jack Reed

Democratic Senator

Rhode Island

Cosponsors (7)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democratic)Richard J. Durbin (Democratic)Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democratic)Angus S. King (Independent)Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)Brian Schatz (Democratic)Ron Wyden (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Right to Read Act of 2023 This 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 FY2028 (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.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-5064
Right to Read Act of 2022
Apr 26, 2023

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 118-2889
Introduced in House
Apr 26, 2023
Introduced in Senate
Apr 26, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1385)
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-5064
    Right to Read Act of 2022


  • April 26, 2023

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 118-2889
    Introduced in House


  • April 26, 2023
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 26, 2023
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1385)

Education

Related Bills

  • HR 118-2889: Right to Read Act of 2023

Right to Read Act of 2023

USA118th CongressS-1307| Senate 
| Updated: 4/26/2023
Right to Read Act of 2023 This 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 FY2028 (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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-5064
Right to Read Act of 2022
Apr 26, 2023

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 118-2889
Introduced in House
Apr 26, 2023
Introduced in Senate
Apr 26, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1385)
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-5064
    Right to Read Act of 2022


  • April 26, 2023

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 118-2889
    Introduced in House


  • April 26, 2023
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 26, 2023
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1385)
Jack Reed

Jack Reed

Democratic Senator

Rhode Island

Cosponsors (7)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democratic)Richard J. Durbin (Democratic)Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democratic)Angus S. King (Independent)Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)Brian Schatz (Democratic)Ron Wyden (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Education

Related Bills

  • HR 118-2889: Right to Read Act of 2023
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted