Bills · S 3365
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3365Education
Right to Read Act of 2025
INTRO DEC 4· LAST ACTION DEC 4
READING
13MIN
COSPONSORS
8
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses concerns about declining access to school libraries and certified librarians, and the potential impact on student literacy and academic achievement. If it becomes law, it would elevate the importance of school libraries from optional amenities to essential components of a student's "right to read," backed by federal definitions and funding. This could lead to more robust library programs, better-resourced schools, and a greater emphasis on literacy skills, including digital and information literacy, which are crucial in today's world.
Without this bill, decisions about school libraries and literacy programs would largely remain at the state and local level, potentially leading to continued disparities in access and quality. If enacted, it could help ensure that all students, regardless of their background or location, have the resources needed to become strong readers and critical thinkers, which could have long-term benefits for their education and future careers. It also provides significant federal investment in an area that has seen cuts in many school districts.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Defines "effective school library" as one staffed by a full-time, state-certified librarian and supporting staff, with curated materials, technology, and facilities, and offering training and collaboration opportunities.
This sets a clear, high standard for what a functional school library should be, potentially reversing trends of understaffed or poorly resourced libraries.
PROVISION 02
Establishes a "right to read" for students, encompassing access to evidence-based reading instruction, effective school libraries, family literacy support, diverse materials, reading materials at home, and the freedom to choose books.
This fundamental right provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring all aspects of student literacy are addressed and supported.
PROVISION 03
Requires states and local school districts to include plans for ensuring equitable access to effective school libraries for all students, especially underserved groups, and to publicly report on their progress.
This holds states and local agencies accountable for addressing disparities in library access and resources.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes $600 million annually for five fiscal years for new grant programs focused on improving literacy education and supporting effective school libraries and librarians.
This provides significant federal financial incentives and resources to implement the bill's goals and strengthen school library programs nationwide.
PROVISION 05
Amends federal education law to explicitly include "school librarians" when referring to "teachers" and allows states to use federal funds to support and improve school libraries and recruit/retain librarians.
This formally recognizes school librarians as essential educators and integrates them more fully into federal education policies and funding streams.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 8
D· Rhode Island
YRS IN OFFICE
35
BILLS LED
44
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 7 REP 0 IND 1
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSDEC 4
Introduced in Senate
DEC 4
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S8513-8514)
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3365
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedDec 4, 2025
Last actionDec 4, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED DEC 4, 2025
Senate BillS 3365Education
Right to Read Act of 2025
INTRODUCED DEC 4, 2025· LAST ACTION DEC 4, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
13 min
COSPONSORS
8
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
