READ Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (6 Aug 2026): Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 549.
What this bill does
The READ Act (S. 4689), sponsored by Sen. Bill Cassidy with several bipartisan cosponsors, would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to strengthen literacy instruction based on the "science of reading." It revises the existing comprehensive literacy State development grant program by adjusting how federal funds are distributed—reserving portions for national evaluation activities, competitive grants, Bureau of Indian Education schools, and outlying areas, with additional targeted funding for states ranking in the lowest quintile on national reading assessments. States receiving grants would be required to conduct needs assessments, develop literacy instruction plans, implement universal early literacy screening (including for dyslexia), review and improve teacher preparation programs, update teacher licensure standards, and publicly report implementation data. States must also allocate at least 75% of grant funds to local school districts for direct literacy activities. The bill would additionally require schools receiving ESEA funds to notify parents when a child in kindergarten through grade 8 is identified as at risk for reading difficulties or below grade level, including screening results and available supports.
The bill primarily affects state and local educational agencies, public schools serving kindergarten through eighth (and in some provisions, higher) grades, teacher preparation programs, and parents of affected students. It aims to improve reading instruction methods, teacher training, and early identification of struggling readers nationwide.
The bill was introduced June 4, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. On July 30, 2026, the committee ordered it reported favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute, meaning the committee replaced portions of the original text before advancing it. The bill would next go to the full Senate for consideration; it has not yet passed either chamber.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
6 Aug 2026
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 549.
Common questions
- What does S. 4689 do?
- The READ Act (S. 4689), sponsored by Sen. Bill Cassidy with several bipartisan cosponsors, would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to strengthen literacy instruction based on the "science of reading." It revises the existing comprehensive literacy State development grant program by adjusting how federal funds are distributed—reserving portions for national evaluation activities, competitive grants, Bureau of Indian Education schools, and outlying areas, with additional targeted funding for states ranking in the lowest quintile on national reading assessments. States receiving grants would be required to conduct needs assessments, develop literacy instruction plans, implement universal early literacy screening (including for dyslexia), review and improve teacher preparation programs, update teacher licensure standards, and publicly report implementation data. States must also allocate at least 75% of grant funds to local school districts for direct literacy activities. The bill would additionally require schools receiving ESEA funds to notify parents when a child in kindergarten through grade 8 is identified as at risk for reading difficulties or below grade level, including screening results and available supports. The bill primarily affects state and local educational agencies, public schools serving kindergarten through eighth (and in some provisions, higher) grades, teacher preparation programs, and parents of affected students. It aims to improve reading instruction methods, teacher training, and early identification of struggling readers nationwide. The bill was introduced June 4, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. On July 30, 2026, the committee ordered it reported favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute, meaning the committee replaced portions of the original text before advancing it. The bill would next go to the full Senate for consideration; it has not yet passed either chamber.
- Has S. 4689 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 4689. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 4689?
- S. 4689 was sponsored by Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA] (R-LA), with 5 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4689?
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 549. (6 Aug 2026).
Related bills in Education
RISE Act
Civic Literacy in Higher Education Act
Expressing support for the recognition of October 2026, as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month".
Campus Accountability and Safety Act of 2026
More bills from Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
Taxpayer Funded Compensation Accountability Act
Safe and Fair Elections Act of 2026
Domestic Manufacturing Revitalization Act of 2026
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the qualified elementary and secondary education scholarships credit limit for married taxpayers filing a joint return.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.