Bill > HR7327

This bill, titled the "Empowering Young Readers Act of 2026," mandates that the Secretary of Education establish a pilot program within 180 days of enactment to award grants to eligible organizations, which are defined as non-governmental or nonprofit entities. These grants, capped at $200,000 and lasting for two years, will fund activities aimed at improving book access for children, defined as individuals under 19 years old. Eligible organizations must apply with a strategic plan detailing how they will use the funds for purposes such as purchasing or distributing books to children, donating books to public libraries, or organizing literacy programs like book fairs and story times, with the Secretary also able to approve other book access-related activities. The grant selection process must be viewpoint-neutral, meaning applications are judged without regard to the content or perspective of the proposed activities. The Secretary is required to report to Congress on the program's outcomes, including the number of books distributed and any observed changes in child literacy rates in the communities served. The bill also clarifies that public libraries retain the right to refuse any book donations. A total of $10,000,000 is authorized for appropriation for fiscal year 2026 to carry out this program.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7327/all-info