Bill > HR9056

This bill, the Right to Read Act of 2022, aims to ensure that children in schools have a right to read. It does this by: 1) Defining key terms, including "effective school library" (which must have a full-time certified librarian and certain resources and services) and "right to read" (which includes access to appropriate instruction, effective school libraries, family literacy support, diverse materials, and freedom to choose reading materials). 2) Requiring states to address in their education plans how they will ensure equitable access to effective school libraries, particularly for low-income, minority, disabled, and English learner students. It also requires states to provide assistance to districts and schools in developing digital and information literacy skills. 3) Amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to require local education agencies to support and improve effective school libraries, and to have policies protecting the right to read. 4) Authorizing additional funding for comprehensive literacy programs and innovative approaches to literacy that can support effective school libraries. 5) Requiring the Department of Education to collect and report data on school library resources and staffing. 6) Providing liability protections for teachers and school librarians acting in conformity with the right to read. 7) Affirming the importance of First Amendment protections for free inquiry and information dissemination in school libraries.