Bill Summary
The "Books Save Lives Act" is legislation aimed at ensuring that certain libraries, particularly public libraries and school libraries that receive federal funding, maintain diverse book collections. The key provisions of the Act include:
1. **Access to Libraries**: The Act mandates that covered schools must have a library staffed by a trained librarian.
2. **Diverse Book Selection**: Libraries are required to include books that are either written or illustrated by individuals from underrepresented communities or that address topics pertinent to these communities.
3. **Civil Rights Enforcement**: It establishes that excluding diverse books from collections can be considered evidence of discrimination against protected classes, in violation of various civil rights laws.
4. **Reporting on Book Bans**: The Act calls for a report from the Comptroller General on how recent book banning campaigns have impacted underrepresented communities.
5. **Definitions**: The legislation defines key terms, such as "covered books" and "underrepresented communities," to clarify its scope and applicability.
Overall, the Act seeks to promote inclusion and representation in library collections, ensuring that all communities have access to a wide range of literary voices and perspectives.
Possible Impacts
The "Books Save Lives Act" could affect people in several significant ways:
1. **Increased Representation in Literature**: By requiring libraries to maintain a diverse collection of books, individuals from underrepresented communities may find literature that reflects their experiences and identities. This can foster a sense of belonging and validation, particularly for young readers who are often influenced by the characters and stories they encounter. Greater representation can also lead to enhanced understanding and empathy among all readers, promoting a more inclusive society.
2. **Access to Educational Resources**: The requirement for covered schools to have a trained librarian and a diverse collection may enhance the quality of education for students. Trained librarians can provide guidance in selecting materials that cater to various perspectives and experiences, encouraging critical thinking and discussion around diverse topics. This access can be especially beneficial in fostering an inclusive educational environment for students from marginalized backgrounds.
3. **Legal Protections Against Discrimination**: The Act establishes provisions for civil rights enforcement, making it easier to challenge discriminatory practices related to book selection in libraries and schools. Individuals or groups who believe they have been adversely affected by the exclusion of diverse books can seek legal recourse. This could empower communities to advocate for their rights and ensure equitable access to educational materials, ultimately promoting a more just and fair system for all.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8235 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8235
To require certain libraries to maintain a diverse collection of books,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 9, 2026
Ms. Pressley (for herself, Mr. Carson, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr.
Evans of Pennsylvania, Mr. Frost, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Mr. Larsen
of Washington, Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Ms.
Norton, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. Quigley, Mrs. Ramirez, Ms. Randall, Ms.
Simon, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Tlaib, Ms. Underwood, and Ms.
Velazquez) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee
on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To require certain libraries to maintain a diverse collection of books,
and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Books Save Lives Act''.
SEC. 2. ACCESS TO LIBRARIES AND DIVERSE BOOKS.
(a) Access to School Libraries.--A covered school shall maintain a
library that is staffed by a trained librarian.
(b) Library Book Selection.--Each public library receiving Federal
financial assistance and each library of a covered school shall
maintain a diverse collection of books, including--
(1) books written or illustrated by an individual who is a
member of an underrepresented community; and
(2) books about an underrepresented community.
(c) Civil Rights Enforcement.--Proof that the exclusion of books
from a covered school or library receiving Federal financial assistance
has had a disparate impact on covered books shall constitute prima
facie evidence of discrimination against a protected class in violation
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.), or the Education
Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1651 et seq.), as appropriate.
SEC. 3. REPORT ON BOOK BAN CAMPAIGNS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall begin the
creation of a report on the effect that recent campaigns to ban books
in public libraries and public schools have had on underrepresented
communities.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Covered book.--The term ``covered book'' means a book
or an item of educational media written by, illustrated by, or
about an individual who is a member of an underrepresented
community.
(2) Covered school.--The term ``covered school'' means an
elementary school or secondary school that is controlled or
directed by a local educational agency receiving Federal
financial assistance.
(3) Elementary school, local educational agency, and
secondary school.--The terms ``elementary school'', ``local
educational agency'', and ``secondary school'' have the meaning
given the terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(4) Underrepresented community.--The term
``underrepresented community'' means a group of individuals
that share a common identity or characteristic, in cases in
which discrimination based on such characteristic is prohibited
by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et
seq.), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.),
or the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1651 et seq.),
including a group of individuals who--
(A) are members of a racial or ethnic minority
group;
(B) are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer,
intersex, or nonbinary;
(C) are members of a religious minority group; or
(D) have a disability.
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