21st Century Dyslexia Act

Summary

21st Century Dyslexia Act This bill addresses the education of children with disabilities, with a particular focus on children with dyslexia. Currently, dyslexia is listed as one of the disabilities under the definition of specific learning disability in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This bill instead removes dyslexia from the definition of specific learning disability and establishes a stand-alone definition for dyslexia within the IDEA. Specifically, the bill defines dyslexia for purposes of the IDEA as an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader, most commonly caused by a difficulty in the phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, and spell. Additionally, the bill requires a local educational agency or other agency, in determining eligibility for or providing an accommodation or service under the IDEA, to provide equal access to (1) children from low-income families, (2) children from families with low socioeconomic status, and (3) children who are limited English proficient.

Summary from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries

Where it stands

Out of committee and scheduled for a vote by the full chamber.

Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions · U.S. Senate

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Cosponsors

Related bills

• H.R. 576921st Century Dyslexia ActIdentical bill
• H.R. 6052, 118th CongressRelated bill in another Congress
• S. 3121, 118th CongressRelated bill in another Congress

As identified by Congress.gov.

Full history

1. Aug 5, 2026

   Reported out of committee

   Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy without amendment. Without written report.

2. Aug 5, 2026

   Reported out of committee

   Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy without amendment. Without written report.

3. Aug 5, 2026

   Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar Under General Orders. Calendar No. 542.

   Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 542.

   U.S. Senate

4. Jul 30, 2026

   Reported out of committee

   Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

5. Jul 30, 2026

   Reported out of committee

   Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Read the record

• Read on Congress.gov (opens in a new tab) The official record on Congress.gov.