Right to Read Act of 2025

Bill Summary: Right to Read Act of 2025 (H.R. 6440)

Overview

The Right to Read Act of 2025 is a legislative proposal designed to institutionalize and protect the "right to read" for all students in the United States. The bill seeks to achieve this by redefining the role of school libraries, increasing federal funding for literacy education, and establishing protections against the partisan censorship of library materials. It amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 to integrate comprehensive literacy and information standards into the federal education framework.

Key Provisions

1. Defining the "Right to Read"

The bill establishes a formal definition of the "Right to Read," asserting that all students must have access to:
* Evidence-based reading instruction that is linguistically and developmentally appropriate.
* Effective school libraries (defined as those staffed by at least one full-time State-certified school librarian).
* Culturally diverse and inclusive materials.
* Family literacy support and reading materials in the home.
* The freedom to choose their own reading materials.

2. Enhancing School Library Standards

The bill mandates a higher standard for what constitutes an "effective school library," requiring:
* Professional Staffing: At least one full-time State-certified school librarian who serves as an instructional leader and information specialist.
* Accessibility: Libraries must be open before, during, and after the school day.
* Resources: Access to curated digital and print materials, including openly licensed educational resources.
* Literacy Integration: A focus on "information literacy"—the ability to find, evaluate, and use information across various media formats.

3. Federal Funding and Grants

The bill authorizes significant new funding for literacy initiatives starting in fiscal year 2026:
* $500 million annually (for 5 years) for Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grants.
* $100 million annually (for 5 years) for "Innovative Approaches to Literacy," specifically targeting the hiring of certified librarians in high-need schools.

4. Accountability and Data Collection

The Secretary of Education would direct the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to collect biennial data on school libraries. This include metrics on:
* The number of libraries with full-time certified librarians.
* The square footage and assets of library facilities.
* The amount of time librarians spend on instruction versus administrative tasks.

5. Legal Protections and Constitutional Rights

• Liability Shield: Provides liability protection for teachers and librarians who act in accordance with established "Right to Read" policies.
• First Amendment Protections: Requires states and local agencies to provide assurances that they will protect students' First Amendment rights. Specifically, it prohibits school boards from removing or restricting library materials in a manner that is partisan, political, or aimed at prescribing particular schools of thought.

Who is Affected?

• Students: Particularly low-income, minority students, English learners, and students with disabilities, who the bill aims to protect from disproportionately attending schools without effective libraries.
• Educators: School librarians are officially recognized as "teachers," and the bill provides funding for their recruitment, hiring, and professional development.
• School Boards: Local boards must balance their discretionary authority to determine library holdings with federal First Amendment requirements.
• State and Local Educational Agencies (SEAs/LEAs): Agencies will be required to update their state and local plans to include policies regarding the "Right to Read."

Procedural Status

The bill was introduced on December 4, 2025, and has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.