Legislative Update -- June 12, 2025

June 11, 2025

Submit Legislative Proposals for the 2026 Session

The ILA Public Policy Committee (PPC) is interested in hearing ideas regarding potential legislation from ILA members. To help us understand your concept and make a decision on supporting it, please answer the following questions. Some research may be needed in order to answer some of them; the more complete the information you are able to provide, the easier it will be for PPC to evaluate your proposal. Here is the Legislative Agenda Timeline and Requirements.

If you need help or have questions on your proposal, please fill out this form, and we will connect you with a member of PPC. The deadline to submit a proposal for the 2026 legislative session is August 1, 2025. If you have an idea that will take more time, the 2027 legislative session deadline is August 1, 2026.

Tell Congress to Fund Libraries

Next up in the federal budget process, Congressional Appropriations Subcommittees are developing bills with detailed funding proposals for all parts of the federal government, including for libraries, which are later taken up by the full Committees. Library funding is determined by the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee (LHHSE). This is our best chance to make a difference in what gets proposed and moved through Appropriations. 

While court cases related to the Administration’s attempt to gut the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Department of Education (ED) move forward, we urgently need Congress to ensure that library programs receive full federal funding in the next fiscal year (FY26) that starts in October. Without this funding, library services carried out by IMLS and ED could not move forward even if their elimination is stopped in court.  

That’s why we need you to urge your lawmakers on the Appropriations Committees to support libraries before July 21, when the LHHSE bill markup is scheduled—it’s vital for the future of our libraries. 

Take action with ALA right now to urge the Appropriations Committee to fund our libraries in the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) budget! 

iREAD Summer Reading Programs

Since 1981, iREAD provides high quality, low-cost resources and products that enable local library staff to motivate children, young adults, and adults to read.

Visit the iREAD website »