This legislation establishes a comprehensive "right to read" for students, defining it as access to linguistically and developmentally appropriate, evidence-based reading instruction, effective school libraries, family literacy support, culturally diverse and inclusive materials, reading materials in the home, and the freedom to choose reading materials. It also defines an "effective school library" as one staffed by at least one full-time State-certified school librarian and supporting staff, open to students before, during, and after school, and possessing a sufficient collection of professionally curated digital and print materials. These libraries must also provide facilities for equitable access, regular skills development for educators, and opportunities for collaboration.

The bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to integrate these concepts into state and local educational agency (LEA) plans. States must detail how they will prevent disproportionate enrollment of low-income, minority, disabled, and English learners in schools lacking effective school libraries. Both state and LEA plans must include policies regarding the "right to read" and outline how they will support and improve effective school libraries, including fostering digital and information literacy skills.

Significant new funding is authorized, including $500,000,000 for Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grants and $100,000,000 for Innovative Approaches to Literacy grants for fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years. These funds can be used by states and LEAs to support and improve effective school libraries, recruit and retain State-certified school librarians, and provide training for library staff and teachers on leveraging library resources for academic achievement and literacy. The bill explicitly includes state library administrative agencies in the development of comprehensive literacy plans.

To ensure accountability and inform policy, the Secretary of Education is directed to biennially collect and report data on elementary and secondary school libraries, including staffing levels, facilities, collection types, and librarian activities. Furthermore, the bill introduces liability protections for school staff acting in conformity with "right to read" policies. Crucially, it requires states and LEAs receiving funds to assure they will protect students' First Amendment rights in school libraries, ensuring access to a variety of reading materials and prohibiting partisan or political actions in determining library holdings.