READ Act
Latest action (30 Jul 2026): Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
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.
Official summary
The committees assigned to this bill sent it to the House or Senate as a whole for consideration on July 30, 2026.
Timeline
30 Jul 2026
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
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?
- Not yet. As of 30 Jul 2026, S. 4689 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored S. 4689?
- S. 4689 was sponsored by Sen. Bill Cassidy [R-LA] (Republican-LA), with 5 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4689?
- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. (30 Jul 2026).
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