HB2401 Summary - Pierce Twins Act

• Requires school districts (including charter schools) to include books written by diverse authors, including African American, women, Native American, LatinX, and Asian authors, in all course materials, reading assignments, and curricula related to literature during the school year and on summer reading lists.

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

• Mandates that school districts receiving federal Title I, Part A funds must obtain prior school board approval for each book before inclusion, with a minimum requirement that books containing derogatory, racist, or hate-inciting language cannot be approved.

• Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules and guidelines necessary to implement the law's requirements.

• Effective immediately upon becoming law.