Federal grants would cover legal costs when schools defend kept books

What does this do?

HR 7691 would create a federal grant program through the U.S. Department of Education to help school districts cover legal costs when they face formal challenges after deciding to keep a book or teaching material available to students. Grants could cover up to $100,000 per case, including attorney fees and court costs. The grant is only triggered when a district chose to keep a material, not remove it.

Who does it affect?

Public school districts that receive federal education funding and face legal challenges over retained materials would be directly eligible. Students, parents, communities, school district lawyers, and local taxpayers could also be affected by the outcome of such disputes.

Why does it matter?

School districts that keep instructional or library materials and then face formal legal challenges would have access to federal financial support they currently lack. Grant decisions would be required to use neutral criteria, meaning the content of the challenged material cannot factor into who receives funding.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Up to $15M total, 2027–2031
• Up to $100K per case
• Covers attorney fees and court costs