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Committee backs expansion of LA Read program to students in D and F schools, with funding questions ahead
Summary
HB 272 would expand the LA Read program to make students in D and F schools automatically eligible for at‑home book shipments and family literacy supports; sponsors cited strong results in Florida and Louisiana pilots but acknowledged a recurring fiscal note that will require appropriations review.
Representative Carver and literacy advocates told the House Education Committee on March 24 that HB 272 would expand the LA Read program—mailing books and simple family literacy guidance to students reading below grade level—to automatically include students in D and F schools rather than relying on an opt‑in enrollment process.
Larry Holland of Scholastic described the Florida New World Reading Initiative data (450,000 children served there; participants closed reading gaps faster) and said the Louisiana pilot shows promising results. Danny Bosch (Center for Literacy and Learning) and other literacy partners supported expansion and emphasized the program’s family‑engagement materials and the importance of home libraries. Committee members applauded the policy aims but repeatedly pressed the sponsor on the bill’s fiscal note: the expansion carries recurring costs and will need a stop in Appropriations; Representative Carver said he will make the case and has discussed options with policy staff.
Ken Bradford (LDOE) reported there are roughly 206 D and F schools in the state; Representative Carver estimated about 50,000 students are in those schools. Members noted potential overlap with other programs (for example, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library covers ages 0–5) and asked about parental literacy, accountability and website resources to support families. The committee moved HB 272 favorably; the sponsor said he will seek appropriations support.
