21st Century Dyslexia Act
Sponsored By: Representative Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
Introduced
Summary
Explicitly recognize dyslexia in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and require equal access to accommodations and services for students who qualify under that law. The bill would add a clear definition of dyslexia and ensure it is treated like other specific learning disabilities when schools determine eligibility and provide supports.
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- Families and students: Parents would have a clearer path to seek evaluations and supports because dyslexia is defined as an unexpected difficulty in reading tied to problems with phonological processing. This makes dyslexia a named condition under IDEA's eligibility rules.
- Local educational agencies and schools: Schools would need to treat dyslexia the same as other specified learning disabilities when providing accommodations and services. That includes applying eligibility and service rules to students with dyslexia.
- Low-income, low‑socioeconomic status, and limited English proficient students: The bill explicitly names these groups and would require equal access to accommodations and related services for eligible children in these populations.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Dyslexia named under special education law
If enacted, this bill would name and define dyslexia in the federal special education law. Schools would treat dyslexia as a listed disability for evaluation and services. This could make it easier to get testing and school-based reading support. Changes would start upon enactment.
Equal access to special education services
If enacted, schools and agencies would have to give equal access to accommodations and services to all eligible children. That includes eligible children from low-income families and children who are limited English proficient. The rule would apply when deciding eligibility and when providing the help. It would start upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
IN • R
Cosponsors
Hageman
WY • R
Sponsored 10/17/2025
Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4]
AR • R
Sponsored 10/17/2025
Mrvan
IN • D
Sponsored 10/17/2025
Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
CO • D
Sponsored 10/17/2025
Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2]
AR • R
Sponsored 12/9/2025
Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
VA • D
Sponsored 12/9/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov