Louisiana House Bill HB852

Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/22/22
• Refer: 3/23/22
• Report Pass: 4/13/22
• Refer: 4/18/22
• Report Pass: 4/26/22
• Engrossed: 5/4/22
• Refer: 5/9/22
• Report Pass: 5/23/22
• Refer: 5/24/22
• Enrolled: 5/31/22
• Chaptered: 6/10/22
• Passed: 6/10/22

Caption

Creates a book delivery program for certain public school students (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The implementation of HB 852 is expected to have a significant impact on state education laws by formally establishing the R.E.A.D. program within the Louisiana Revised Statutes. The bill mandates that eligible students receive three books quarterly, thereby fostering a consistent reading habit. Moreover, it emphasizes the need for the state’s education department to develop online materials to assist parents and to create a diverse selection of books that cater to various age groups. This aligns with broader educational efforts aimed at improving literacy outcomes among young learners in Louisiana.

Summary

House Bill 852 establishes the Reading Enrichment and Academic Deliverables (R.E.A.D.) Program aimed at providing books and reading materials to eligible public school students in Louisiana. The bill targets students who demonstrate literacy challenges, providing essential resources to support their educational journey. The program's framework includes specific eligibility criteria, focusing primarily on students in early grades who have not met literacy benchmarks as assessed by the state. By ensuring access to appropriate reading materials, this initiative seeks to enhance literacy rates across the state’s public schools.

Sentiment

General sentiment towards HB 852 appears to be positive, with strong support from advocates prioritizing literacy and educational equity. Legislators recognize the necessity of addressing reading deficiencies at an early age and view the bill as a vital step towards ensuring that all students have the fundamental resources they need to succeed. However, the bill also places a reliance on state funding, which could influence its implementation and effectiveness, leading to some concerns among certain stakeholders about resource allocation.

Contention

While the overall sentiment is supportive, some contention surrounds the funding mechanisms for the R.E.A.D. program. The bill stipulates that its implementation is contingent on available legislative appropriations, raising concerns about whether sufficient funds will be allocated to achieve the intended outcomes. Additionally, there may be apprehensions regarding the program's administration by public school governing authorities, particularly in terms of outreach and ensuring equitable access across diverse school districts. These factors highlight the need for ongoing discussion about resource allocation and program sustainability.