A Democratic bill with 7 Democratic cosponsors · See all 8 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S8513-8514)
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Right to Read Act of 2025 aims to ensure students have access to effective school libraries and the freedom to choose reading materials. It defines an "effective school library" as one that is adequately staffed with State-certified librarians and provides diverse, up-to-date resources. The bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to incorporate these new standards and definitions. It also mandates that State and local agencies develop policies regarding the right to read. Additionally, the bill authorizes funding for literacy education and the improvement of school libraries. Finally, it includes provisions to protect the First Amendment rights of students within school libraries.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into public schools?
The bill authorizes significant new appropriations for literacy education and school library support.
- Scored +6
Would children be better off under this?
The bill enhances student access to diverse reading materials and better-staffed libraries.
- Scored +6
Would students be better off under this?
The bill protects students' right to read and ensures access to information and digital literacy resources.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Library Standards: By defining an "effective school library," the bill ensures students have access to libraries staffed by State-certified librarians who serve as instructional leaders and support digital literacy (Section 2).
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Increased Student Access: The bill establishes a "right to read," which includes access to culturally diverse materials, family literacy support, and the freedom to choose reading materials (Section 2).
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Equitable Resource Distribution: The bill requires States to work toward ensuring that low-income students, minority students, students with disabilities, and English learners are not disproportionately enrolled in schools lacking effective libraries (Section 3).
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Enhanced Teacher and Staff Training: The bill provides for training school librarians, teachers, and other educators to improve library effectiveness and support academic achievement (Section 2 and Section 4).
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Protection of Constitutional Rights: The bill requires agencies to protect students' First Amendment rights by providing access to a variety of reading materials (Section 8).
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Legal Security for Educators: The bill provides liability protections for teachers, librarians, and school leaders acting in conformity with State or local policies regarding the right to read (Section 7).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed within the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — The bill enhances student access to diverse reading materials and better-staffed libraries. Would students be better off under this? — The bill protects students' right to read and ensures access to information and digital literacy resources. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill includes measures to ensure low-income students have equitable access to effective school libraries. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill includes provisions to ensure students with disabilities have equitable access to effective school libraries.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill authorizes significant new appropriations for literacy education and school library support. Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill emphasizes the development of digital literacy and provides for technology within effective school libraries.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The bill mandates that educational agencies protect students' First Amendment rights to access various reading materials.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill requires states to ensure minority students are not disproportionately enrolled in schools lacking effective libraries.
- 8/4/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/4/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S8513-8514)
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island