Books Save Lives Act

This bill, titled the "Books Save Lives Act," aims to ensure access to diverse literature in educational and public settings. It mandates that covered schools , defined as elementary or secondary schools receiving federal financial assistance, must maintain a library staffed by a trained librarian. Furthermore, public libraries receiving Federal financial assistance and these covered school libraries are required to maintain a diverse collection of books . This diverse collection specifically includes books written or illustrated by, or about, individuals from underrepresented communities , encompassing racial or ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, religious minority groups, and people with disabilities. The legislation establishes that if the exclusion of such "covered books" from these libraries has a disparate impact on these communities, it shall constitute prima facie evidence of discrimination under various civil rights laws. Additionally, the bill directs the Comptroller General to create a report on the effects of recent book ban campaigns on underrepresented communities within 180 days of enactment.