Bill > HB1663

This bill establishes the Statewide Children's Literacy Program, which aims to encourage reading among children under five years old by creating a new restricted account in the General Fund. The program will work with qualified local entities (Pennsylvania-based nonprofit partners) to provide eligible children with one free, age-appropriate book monthly, sent directly to their homes. The Department of Education will oversee the program, coordinating with Children's Literacy Program Partners to manage operations, develop community engagement initiatives, and create public awareness campaigns. Funding for the program will come from various sources including appropriations, gifts, grants, and donations, with a requirement that qualified local entities provide a dollar-for-dollar match (which can be waived in cases of financial hardship). The department must submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing account deposits, expenditures, number of participating local entities, registered children, and books distributed. Books provided through the program must be age-appropriate and cannot contain obscene or sexually explicit content. Additionally, when a child is registered, their family will receive information about obtaining a local library card. The program will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1663