What does Preamble of S 3365 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To ensure that students in schools have a right to read, and for other purposes,' aims to ensure students have a right to read. The bill was introduced in the Senate on December 4, 2025.

What does SHORT TITLE. of S 3365 do?

This bill is formally titled the Right to Read Act of 2025.

What does DEFINITIONS. of S 3365 do?

This section amends Section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. It redesignates several existing paragraphs within that section. The term 'effective school library' is defined as a library staffed by a certified school librarian and supporting staff, providing access before, during, and after school hours, and offering a curated collection of materials and technology. The definition of 'effective school library' includes requirements for digital learning support, literacy initiatives, and professional development for educators. The term 'information literacy' is defined as the skills needed to find, retrieve, understand, evaluate, and use information. The term 'right to read' is defined as encompassing access to evidence-based reading instruction, effective school libraries, family literacy support, culturally diverse materials, reading materials at home, and freedom to choose reading materials. The term 'teacher' is expanded to include school librarians.

What does AMENDMENTS TO TITLE I. of S 3365 do?

This section amends Title I of an Act (20 U.S.C. 6311 and 6312) related to state and local educational agency plans. Amendments to Section 1111 (State Plans) include adding references to school librarians and detailing how states will ensure equitable access to effective school libraries for specific student populations (low-income, minority, students with disabilities, and English learners). The state plans must also evaluate and publicly report progress in ensuring access to effective school libraries. Section 1111 is further amended to include the development of digital and information literacy skills within academic standards. Amendments to Section 1112 (Local Educational Agency Plans) include adding references to school librarians and requirements for supporting effective school libraries and ensuring equitable access. Local educational agencies must outline policies protecting the right to read and describe how funds will be used to meet the purposes of the part. Paragraph 13 of Section 1112 is struck and replaced with new requirements regarding school libraries and digital literacy.

What does AMENDMENTS TO TITLE II. of S 3365 do?

This section amends Title II of an Act, focusing on literacy education. It authorizes $500,000,000 for grants under section 2222 and $100,000,000 for grants under section 2226 for each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Amendments are made to formula grants to states, including provisions to support and improve effective school libraries and the recruitment, hiring, and retention of state-certified school librarians. The legislation modifies provisions related to local uses of funds to support effective school libraries and digital literacy. Changes are made to reservations of funds and definitions related to literacy purposes. Amendments to Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grants (section 2222) specify funding sources and expand the roles of state library administrative agencies. The bill also addresses innovative approaches to literacy, including increasing the number of school librarians in high-need schools.

What does AMENDMENTS TO TITLE IV. of S 3365 do?

This section amends Title IV of an Act. Section 4104(b)(3)(A)(i) is amended to redesignate subclauses and insert a new subclause regarding digital literacy and information literacy activities and programs, including those provided through effective school libraries. Section 4107(a)(3) is amended to redesignate subparagraphs and insert a new subparagraph promoting the development of digital literacy and information literacy skills, including those provided through an effective school library.

What does DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING ON SCHOOL LIBRARIES. of S 3365 do?

This section mandates the Secretary of Education to direct the National Center for Education Statistics to collect data biennially on elementary and secondary school libraries. The collected data must include information on the number and percentage of schools with dedicated library facilities, the square footage of those facilities, and the employment of certified school librarians. Data collection also encompasses details about school library staff, physical and virtual collections, student devices, and the time spent by certified school librarians on planning with teachers, instructing students, and providing professional development. The Secretary of Education can determine and include other pertinent information deemed important for supporting effective school libraries. The Secretary of Education is required to submit a report to Congress containing the collected data, no later than one year after enactment and every two years thereafter. The definitions of 'elementary school' and 'secondary school' are aligned with section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

What does LIABILITY PROTECTIONS RELATED TO THE RIGHT TO READ. of S 3365 do?

This section amends Section 8556 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). It establishes liability protections for teachers, school librarians, school leaders, paraprofessionals, and other staff. These protections apply if actions are taken in conformity with state or local policies regarding the right to read. The amendments clarify the application of certain provisions with respect to the newly established liability protections. Section 8555(b) of the ESEA is amended to clarify that the subpart does not apply except for section 8556(b).

What does PROTECTING CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS IN SCHOOL LIBRARIES. of S 3365 do?

This section amends part F of title VIII of an existing Act (20 U.S.C. 7901 et seq.). It adds a new section, 8549D, concerning protecting constitutional rights in school libraries. The Secretary will require assurances from states and local educational agencies receiving funds under the Act. These assurances must confirm that the agency will protect First Amendment rights of students in school libraries. The assurances require agencies to provide access to a variety of reading materials and recognize the role of school libraries in preparing citizens. School boards are recognized as having important discretionary functions, including determining library holdings. The assurances emphasize the importance of First Amendment protections in school libraries as centers for inquiry and information dissemination. School boards must exercise their authority in a manner that comports with First Amendment protections. The exercise of a school board's role in determining library holdings may not be partisan or prescribe particular schools of thought. Agencies must also provide equal protection in the conduct of school libraries, complying with the Fourteenth Amendment and nondiscrimination laws.

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Right to Read Act of 2025 — S. 3365

Last updated: 12/4/2025 · Introduced: 12/4/2025

Author: John Reed (D-RI)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a 'right to read' for students, encompassing access to evidence-based reading instruction, effective school libraries, and family literacy support.
It requires state and local education agencies to prioritize effective school libraries, including equitable access for underserved student populations, and to report on progress.
The bill allocates $600 million annually from 2026-2030 to support literacy programs, including those focused on effective school libraries and hiring certified school librarians.
It mandates the collection of data on school libraries, including staffing, facilities, and collections, to be reported to Congress every two years.
The bill provides liability protections for educators and school librarians acting in accordance with policies related to the right to read and safeguards First Amendment rights within school libraries.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 6440(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 7 more.

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