HB3254 Summary

• Amends the School Code to add Section 28-22, known as the Pierce Twins Law, requiring school districts to include diverse authors in literature curricula for grades K-12, including African American, women, Native American, LatinX, and Asian authors.

• Prohibits reading materials that perpetuate bias based on ability, race, language, beliefs, gender, culture, family dynamics, or socioeconomic status.

• Requires schools utilizing federal Title I, Part A funding to obtain prior school board approval before including any book in reading assignments or curricula, with minimum requirement that books cannot contain derogatory, racist language or material that incites hate.

• Authorizes school boards to adopt policies pursuant to this requirement based on guidelines established by the State Board of Education.

• Directs the State Board of Education to adopt rules and guidelines necessary to implement this Section.