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119-s-3010119th CongressWALLET

21st Century Dyslexia Act

Sponsored By: Senator Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]

In Committee

Summary

Explicitly recognize dyslexia in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This bill would add a clear legal definition of dyslexia and require schools to give eligible students equal access to accommodations and services, with special attention to low-income and limited English proficient children.

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  • Students and families: Students with dyslexia would be explicitly named under IDEA, and dyslexia would be defined as an unexpected reading difficulty often caused by problems with phonological processing. This makes it clearer that evaluations and reading supports can address dyslexia.
  • Low-income and low socioeconomic status children: The bill would require schools to ensure equal access to accommodations and services for children from low-income families and those with low socioeconomic status, aiming to reduce gaps in who gets support.
  • Limited English proficient students: Schools must also provide equal access to accommodations and services for students who are limited English proficient so language background does not block supports.
  • Local educational agencies: School districts and other agencies would be required to apply nondiscriminatory eligibility decisions and deliver accommodations and services to all eligible children named in the law, including those groups above.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Add dyslexia to special education

If enacted, the bill would amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to explicitly include "dyslexia" as a specific learning disability. It would add a statutory definition saying dyslexia is an unexpected difficulty in reading often caused by trouble with phonological processing, which affects speaking, reading, and spelling. Schools and local education agencies would be able to use this definition when evaluating students for special education.

Require equal special education access

If enacted, the bill would add a rule that when deciding eligibility for, or providing, an accommodation or service under IDEA, local education agencies and other agencies must give equal access to all eligible children. It specifically names children from low-income families, children from families with low socioeconomic status, and children who are limited English proficient. The requirement would apply both when agencies determine eligibility and when they provide accommodations or services.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]

LA • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

    CO • D

    Sponsored 10/15/2025

  • Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]

    RI • D

    Sponsored 10/15/2025

  • Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]

    AK • R

    Sponsored 10/21/2025

  • Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 11/19/2025

  • Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 12/4/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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