Listed below are current state laws related to dyslexia. You can click on column heads to re-order the list. as needed.
If you know of a specific statute that should be added to the list, please leave a comment below.
You will also find reports and publications issued by various states here: Resource Links: State Educational Resources.
Table updated March 25, 2023
| State | Year of Enactment | Title or Subject | Citation/Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2015 | Dyslexia provisions of Administrative Code | Section 20 |
| Alabama | 2019 | Alabama Literacy Act | HB 388 |
| Alaska | 2018 | Legislative Task Force on Reading Proficiency and Dyslexia. | CHAPTER 52 SLA 18 |
| Alaska | 2022 | Alaska Reads Act | Alaska Statutes Title 14 (Multiple provisions) | Bill Text HB 114Z |
| Arizona | 2021; 2019; 2018; 2017; 2015 | Dyslexia Screening & Interventon | Arizona Revised Statutes 15-211 (K-3 Reading program); 15-501.01 (Requirements for Teachers) 15-701 (Promotion & Retention), 15-704 (Reading Proficiency) - - 2019 Amendments |
| Arizona | 2017 | Dyslexia Handbook | Arizona Revised Statutes 15-249.07 |
| Arkansas | 2017; 2015 | Dyslexia Definition, Screening, Instruction | Arkansas Code 6-41-601 to 6-41-610 (2015 Code) |
| Arkansas | 2019 | Right to Read Act | Arkansas Code § 6-15-2914(b), § 6-17-429(c), § 6-17-429(e)-(g) |
| Arkansas | 2019 | Required Dyslexia Services for Incarcerated Youth and Adults | Arkansas Code 6-41-602, 6-41-602, 9-31-501, 9-31-502, 9-31-503 |
| Arkansas | 2021 | Certified Academic Language Therapists | Arkansas Code § 6-41-612 | Engrossed Bill Text |
| Arkansas | 2023 | LEARNS Act | ACT 237 Arkansas Code, Title 6 (multiple provisions) |
| California | 2007; 1990 | Teacher Training: "Encourages" universities and schools to provide training in recognizing and teaching for dyslexia | California Education Code 44227.7 and 56245 |
| California | 2011; 1992 | Definitions and Eligibility for Special Education Services | Cal. Ed. Code 56245 and 56337 |
| California | 2015 | Special Education: Dyslexia program guidelines | California Education Code 56334, 56335 |
| California | 2021 | Teacher Credentialing | Education Code 44259 (Bill Text |
| California | 2022 | School Accountabilitly (Data Reporting) | California Education Code 60900.1 (Bill Text) |
| Colorado | 2008 | Assessment and identification of students with literacy challenges including dyslexia | Colorado Revised Statutes 22-2-133 |
| Colorado | 2019 | Dyslexia Research Working Group | Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 22, Article 20.5 - Signed Act |
| Colorado | 2020, 2019 | Pilot Program for Dyslexia | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 22-20.5-104 |
| Connecticut | 2017; 2016; 2015 | Dyslexia Assessment & Instruction; Teacher Training | Connecticut general statutes 10-14t (Reading Assessment), 10-145a (Teacher Training), 10-145d(Teacher Training),10-220a (In-service training) |
| Connecticut | 2021, 2019 | Dyslexia Law Implementation Task Force | Public Act No. 21-168 | Special Act 19-8 |
| Delaware | 2015 | Alternate forms of assessment for LD students; IEP and intervention for children not reading at age 7 | Delaware Code Title 14, §151(j) (Alternate Assessment); §3110(e) (Reading IEP) |
| Delaware | 2022 | Universal Reading Screening | Delaware Code Title 14, § 158. Reading screening - House Bill 304 (Final) |
| District of Columbia | 2020 | Dyslexia Screening and Prevention Pilot Program | D.C. Act 23-548 |
| Florida | 2017 | School Community Professional Development Act | Florida Statutes 1012.98 (11) |
| Florida | 2021 | Early Learning & Student Literacy | Florida Statutes, Section 1008.2125: Coordinated Screening and Progress Monitoring - Section 1008.25 Reading Deficiency and Parental Notification - Section 1012.585 Renewal of professional certificates Bill Text - HB 419 | Bill Text - HB 7011 |
| Florida | 2022 | Student Progress Monitoring | Bill Text, SB 1048 |
| Georgia | 2019 | Dyslexia Screening & Services | Georgia Code 20-2-159.6, 20-2-208, 20-2-208.1 |
| Idaho | 2022 | Dyslexia Definition, Screening & Intervention | Idaho Code 33-1802, 33-1811 (HB 731) |
| Illinois | 2016; 2014 | Definition of Dyslexia and Advisory group | 105 ILCS 5/2-3.161 |
| Illinois | 2022 | Pre-K to Grade 2 Assessments | Illinois School Code Section 2-3.64a-15 |
| Indiana | 2015 | Dyslexia Definition; Teacher Training | Indiana Code §20-18-2-3.5 (Definition of Dyslexia); IN Code §20-20-1-13 (Teacher in service training for dyslexia); IN Code §20-28-3-5 (Teacher education, dyslexia referral) |
| Indiana | 2018 | Dyslexia Screening and Intervention | Enrolled Act 217 |
| Indiana | 2022 | Dyslexia Screening and Intervention | Bill Text - Senate Bill 123 |
| Iowa | 2014 | Dyslexia Assistance | Iowa Code 279.68.2d(3)(a) |
| Iowa | 2016 | Teacher Training | Iowa Code 256.16 |
| Iowa | 2020 | Dyslexia Definition & Teacher Training | Iowa Code 2020, Section 256.7, subsection 3; Section 256.9, subsection 60; Section 256.32A; Section 272.2, subsection. 23; Section 273.2, subsection 11; Section 273.3, subsection 25; Section 279.68, subsection 2, paragraph d,subparagraph (3), subparagraph division (a). Section 279.72. |
| Kentucky | 2022, 2012 | Early Education Assessment and Intervention | KRS CHAPTER 158.305 (Added), KRS 157.200 (Amended) | 2022 Amendments - Acts Ch. 40 |
| Kentucky | 2012 | Definitions of Dyslexia and Related Terms | HB 69 |
| Kentucky | 2018 | Ready to Read Act | KRS 158 - new section (engrossed bill) |
| Kentucky | 2023 | Statewide Reading Research Center | KRS 164.0207 - Bill Text |
| Louisiana | 2013 | Dyslexia Testing and Remediation | Revised Statutes 17:7(11) |
| Louisiana | 2009 | REPEALED: 2021 | Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:24.11 | |
| Louisiana | 2010, 2009 | Decisions of Board of Parole: Exempting individuals with dyslexia from certain conditions premised on educational attainment | Louisiana Rev Statutes 15:574.4.2 (E) |
| Louisiana | 2005, 2003, 1990, 1989, 1987, 1986 | Testing pupils' sight and hearing; testing for dyslexia; | Lousiana Rev. Statutes 17:2112 |
| Louisiana | 2010 (numerous amendments since 1975) | Duties of State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education | Revised Statutes 17:7(11) |
| Louisiana | 2022, 2021, 1997, 1992 | Screening and Intervention for School Success | Revised Statutes 17:392.1 | 2022 Act No. 622 |
| Louisiana | 2020 | Revised Definition of Dyslexia | Lousiana Rev. Statutes 17:7(11)(d)(i) and 17:2112(B) |
| Louisiana | 2021 | Early Literacy | Lousiana Rev. Statutes 17:24.9, to enact R.S. 17:24.10 and 3996(B)(59) and (60) [Bill Text] |
| Louisiana | 2018 | Dyslexia practitioner; dyslexia therapist; ancillary certificates | Louisiana Revised Statutes 17.392.2 |
| Louisiana | 2022 | Teacher Education - Dyslexia | R.S. 17:7.2(D) , R.S. 17:7.2(A)(7) (2022 Act 607) |
| Maine | 2015 | Dyslexia Screening; Dyslexia Coordinator | Maine Revised Statutes Title 20-A,§4710-B |
| Maryland | 2019 | Dyslexia Screening | Chapter 512 - Education 1-101(a) and (f); 4-135 |
| Massachusetts | 1983 | Exempting students with dyslexia from standardized college entrance exams | Massachusetts General Laws Ch 15A Sec. 30 |
| Massachusetts | 2018 | Students with Dyslexia | General Laws Section 57; Amendments to Section 1 of chapter 287 of the Acts of 2012 Bill Text |
| Minnesota | 2016 | Reading Proficiency; Dyslexia Reporting | Minnesota Statutes 120B.12; 125A.56, subdivision 1 |
| Minnesota | 2015 | Definition of Dyslexia | Minnesota Statutes 125A.01 |
| Minnesota | 2017 | Dyslexia Specialist | Minnesota Statutes 120B.122 |
| Minnesota | 2019 | Dyslexia Identification & Screening | Minnesota Statutes section 120B.12, subdivision 2 |
| Minnesota | 2019 | Teacher Education Programs | Minnesota Statutes section 122A.092, subdivision 5 |
| Mississippi | 2017; 2012 | Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship | MS Code Title 37, Chapter 173 (2015 code) |
| Mississippi | 2007; 2001; 1999; 1997; 1996; 1994 | Pilot programs for testing and educational remediation for dyslexia and related disorders. | Mississippi Code 37-23-15 |
| Mississippi | 2019 | Loan Forgiveness for Dyslexia Teachers | Mississippi Code Sections 37-106-71, 37-106-57 |
| Missouri | 2012 | Policy for Reading Intervention | Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 167.268 |
| Missouri | 2016 | Dyslexia Screening | Missouri Revised Statutes Section 167.950.1 |
| Missouri | 2022 | Literacy and reading instruction | Missouri Revised Statutes 161.097, 167.645, 178.694 (2022 Bill Text) |
| Missssippi | 2021 | Dyslexia Education Requirements | Mississippi Code Sections 37-173-9 (Bill Text) |
| Montana | 2019 | Montana Dyslexia Screening and Intervention Act | Title 20, chapter 7, part 4 |
| Nebraska | 2017 | Adds and Defines Dyslexia for purposes of Special Education | Nebraska Revised Statute 79-1118.01 (6), (13) |
| Nebraska | 2018 | Dyslexia Screening and Intervention | Slip Law - LB 1052 |
| Nevada | 2015 | Dyslexia Screening and Services | Nevada Revised Statutes 388.439 through 388.447 |
| New Hampshire | 2016 | Screening and Intervention for Dyslexia | NH RSA 200:58 (Definitions) 200:49 (Screening & Intervention) 200:60 (Reading Specialist) 200:61 (Teacher Training) 200:62 (Dyslexia Resource Guide) |
| New Jersey | 2013 | Screening for Dyslexia | NJ Rev Stat § 18A:40-5.2 (Distribution of Information)NJ Rev Stat § 18A:40-5.3 (Screening) NJ Rev Stat § 18A:40-5.4(Comprehensive Assessment) |
| New Jersey | 2013 | Definitions relative to Reading Disabilities | : NJ Rev Stat § 18A:40-5.1 |
| New Jersey | 2013 | Professional Development related to reading disabilities | http://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/2016/title-18a/section-18a-6-130/ |
| New Mexico | 2010 | Intervention for students displaying characteristics of dyslexia. | NMSA 22-13-6 (Definition of Dyslexia) NMSA 23-13-32 (Intervention) |
| New York | 2017 | Education Guidance Memorandum | New York Education Code Sec. 305, subdiv. 56 (added 2017) |
| North Carolina | 2017 | Students with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia | Session Law 127 |
| North Dakota | 2019 | Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program | North Dakota Century Code 15.1-32 |
| North Dakota | 2021 | Dyslexia Specialist Credentialing | North Dakota Century Code 15.1-02-16 (Bill Text) |
| Ohio | 2012 | Pilot Project - Early Intervention and Screening | Revised Code 3323.01 (inclusion of dyslexia); Revised Code 3323.25 (Pilot Project) |
| Ohio | 2021 | Dyslexia Screening and Intervention | Ohio Revised Code sections 3310.03, 3310.522, 3313.976, 3314.03, 3323.11, 3323.25, 3326.11, 3328.24, 3319.077, 3319.078, 3323.25 (Legislation Text) |
| Oklahoma | 2012 | Pilot Dyslexia Teacher Training Program | Oklahoma Statutes, Title 70, Section 7001 |
| Oklahoma | 2016, 2018 | Definition of Specific Learning Disability including Dyslexia | 70-18-109.5; 2018 Amendment |
| Oklahoma | 2022, 2019 | Annual Dyslexia Awareness Training in Schools | Oklahoma Statutes, Title 70 Section 6-194; Amended 2022 (Enrolled Bill) |
| Oklahoma | 2020 | Required Dyslexia Screening | Oklahoma Statutes Title 70, Section 1210.520 (Bill Text) |
| Oklahoma | 2022, 2021 | State Dyslexia & Dysgraphia Handbook | Oklahoma Statutes Title 70, Section 1210.517 (Bill Text), Amended 2022 (Enrolled Bill) |
| Oregon | 2017; 2015 | Dyslexia Provisions | OR Rev Stat § 326.726 (dyslexia specialist school screening); OR Rev Stat § 342.950 (teacher training) |
| Pennsylvania | 2014 | Dyslexia Intervention Pilot Program | Public Law 773, No. 69 |
| Pennsylvania | 2022 | Teacher Literacy Education | Pennsylvania Public School Code, Sec. 1205.8 (Bill Text) |
| Rhode Island | 2016 | Dyslexia-targeted literacy assistance | RI Statutes 16-67-2 |
| Rhode Island | 2022, 2019 | Right To Read Act | Rhode Island Statutes 16-11.4-6 | Bill Text - 2022 Amendment |
| Rhode Island | 2019 | Education of Children with Dyslexia | Rhode Island Statutes 16.67.2-1, 16.67.2-2, 16.67.2-3, 16.67.2-4, 16.67.2-5 |
| South Carolina | 2018 | Universal Screening | Title 59, Chap 33, Art 5 |
| South Dakota | 2020 | Define Dyslexia | Section 13-37-28.1 |
| Tennessee | 2019; 2016 | Dyslexia Screening and Intervention | Tennessee Code §49-1-229 |
| Tennessee | 2019 | Required Accommodations for Dyslexia on State Licensing Exams | Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 19 |
| Tennessee | 2021 | Literacy Success Act | Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapters 1, 5, & 6. | Bill Text |
| Tennessee | 2022 | Individualized Education Act - Dyslexia | Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-10-1402 Pub. Ch. 1019 |
| Tennesseee | 2020, 2018 | Dyslexia Advisory Board | Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 4-29-241 (a) and Section 4-29~248(a) |
| Texas | 2011 | Classroom technology for dyslexia | Texas Education Code Section 38.0031 |
| Texas | 2019, 2017, 2011, 1995 | Screening and Treatment for Dyslexia and Related Disorders | Texas Education Code §38.003 |
| Texas | 2021, 2011 | Educator Preparation for Dyslexia | Amendments to Texas Education Code Sections 21.054, 21.4552 |
| Texas | 2015; 2009 | Licensed Dyslexia Practitioners and Licensed Dyslexia Therapists | Occupations Code, Ch. 403 |
| Texas | 2011 | Retesting University students for dyslexia | Texas Education Code Section 51.9701 |
| Texas | 2011 | Examination Accommodations For Person With Dyslexia | Texas Occupations Code 54.003 |
| Texas | 2017 | Dyslexia Specialist at Regional Centers | Education Code Section 8.061 |
| Texas | 2021, 2019 | Monitoring School Compliance | Texas Education Code Section 7.028(a); 28.006 Subsections (g-2) and (1); 38.003, Subsection (c) and (c-1) | Bill Text |
| Texas | 2019 | School District Dyslexia Allotment | Texas Education Code Sec. 48.103 |
| Texas | 2017 | Special Education Transition Planning | Education Code 29.011; 20.0112 (b), (e); 29.017 |
| Utah | 2019; 2015 | Interventions for Reading Difficulties Program | Utah Code Title 53A Chapter 15 Part 1 Section 106 |
| Virginia | 2017 | Dyslexia Advisor in Public Schools | § 22.1-253.13:2 of the Code of Virginia (Amendment to Section G) |
| Virginia | 2016 | Teacher Training, Dyslexia Awareness | Virginia Code § 22.1-298.1(8)-Regulations governing licensure | § 22.1-298.4. Teacher preparation programs; learning disabilities |
| Virginia | 2018 | Required university coursework in dyslexia | Virginia Code §23.1-902.1 |
| Virginia | 2021 | Reading Standards & Intervention | Code of Virginia 22.1-253.13:1 |
| Virginia | 2021 | Special Education Policies & Procedures | Virginia Code Chapter 22, Article 1, Sections 214, 214.4, 215, 25.13:4, 298.1 (Bill Text) |
| Washington | 2009 | Individuals with dyslexia — Identification and instruction | Revised Code of Washington 28A.300.530 |
| West Virginia | 2014 | Dyslexia and dyscalculia defined | West Virginia Code §18-20-10 |
| West Virginia | 2023 | Reading Instruction & Intervention | §18 - 2 E- 13 - Bill Text |
| Wisconsin | 2020 | Dyslexia Guidebook | Acts 86 |
| Wyoming | 2022; 2019; 2012 | Assessment and Early Intervention | Wyoming Statutes 21-3-110(a)(xxiii) ; W.S. 21-3-401 |
My grandson lives in Morgan co. Lacys spring al. He has been in special reading classes since kindergarten. He’s now 15 tells me he cannot read or spell. Is frustrated. How do we get the public school system to test for dyslexia
You can find a brief summary of the applicable federal law here:
School Testing for Dyslexia
https://www.dyslexia.com/question/school-testing/
If he has not been tested by the school system then he may be tested by the Alabama Scottish Rite Foundation Learning Center. https://alsrlcenter.org/evaluations
It is located in Madison Alabama. The director, Dr. Denise Gibbs is a wonderful, knowledgeable, Christian lady.
why is Maryland not listed under the states with dyslexia laws since there is SB734 Dyslexia Screening ?
Thank you for pointing out that omission. We did report on the passage of the Maryland law last year, but it looks like it was not properly entered into the table of all laws. We will add that right away. Here is the short summary of the law we reported https://www.dyslegia.com/2019/04/maryland-2019-sb734-dyslexia-screening/
There’s a new Minnesota law: “DDMN’s Dyslexia screening and mandatory dyslexia instruction in teacher preparation programs passed and are effective July 1, 2020.”
https://www.decodingdyslexiamn.org/mn_legislation
Thank you for reporting that information. Unfortunately, the information on the page you listed is not completely accurate – it links to specific bills that were not passed. (You will see that if you follow the links).
However, there were dyslexia provisions included in the Omnibus Education Act — we found a summary of that act here:
https://www.senate.mn/departments/scr/billsumm/summary_display_from_db.php?ls=91&id=7024
We have now added appropriate statutory references to the chart above.
Thanks!!
Is there any word about Dyslexia laws in Vermont. We are watching as the state tries to eliminate the word and meaning. Replacing it with the term specific learning disability, instead of using dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Any Idea who we can contact to get this action to stop and get laws on in our state to protect our children and future generations.
There is a bill pending in the Vermont Legislature – House Bill 406 – related to dyslexia screening and teacher education. It is currently assigned to the House Committee on Education.
We are tracking this on our table of pending legislation for 2009 – at https://www.dyslegia.com/2019/01/2019-pending-legislation-table/
You can also track progress directly on the Vermont legislature site at https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2020/H.406 — you will find the name of the bill sponsor there, and a link you can use to contact her office to share your concerns.
thank you Davis Dyslexia. We are in a battle now watching the teachers and psychologist using the term specific learning disability saying there is no definition of dyslexia in the law. We believe it is written in federal law, just not at the state level. Yet.
Our next IEP meeting is this Thursday. Do you have any good talking/arguing points?
You might find the information and links on this page helpful, as to the federal law — https://www.dyslexia.com/question/school-testing/
Keep in mind that if your child qualifies for an IEP under the label “specific learning disability” related to reading or writing, then that is the same as dyslexia. The label the school gives won’t make any difference in terms of the services offered. So if you are in a battle — be sure that it’s a battle worth fighting.
The current bill pending in the Vermont legislature has this definition:
Link to full text: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2020/Docs/BILLS/H-0406/H-0406%20As%20Introduced.pdf
I bolded the parts of the definition that specify the core difficulties that are tied to dyslexia. So if your school is using the phrase “specific learning disability” tied to any one of those symptoms, you have what you need for an IEP.
Our student has been in an IEP for three years. The trouble is because the state of vt does not recognize dyslexia on law but a definition under sld, there is no training required for teachers. So there is one teacher for the students to share and she is not too good at it. Our student is in 8th grade and has a 5th grade level at reading and 4th at math. She is caught in this school that can not help her and against the IDEA this student is being left behind. The language in the IEP states that the student has a specific learning disability and that the Parents think she has dyslexia. It is a battle. We are not battling that they say the word dyslexia but battling that they can not help her learn! Our student clearly shows spectrums of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Her math teach, english teacher, have no idea how to teach her and it is starting to affect the child’s mental well being. We are on the verge of withdrawing her from school and home schooling. Using Susan Barton method and a VLax program.
Schools offer tutoring programs but they don’t address the underlying causes of dyslexia. Consider a Davis program for your student — if the student is reading at a 5th grade level, the student is already beyond the level where a phonics-based tutoring program would help. The student needs strategies for fluency, comprehension, and easeful reading. There are Davis Facilitators in New Hampshire, including one who is on the state border with Vermont. A Davis program could provide a significant boost, and the program would include support training that would give you the knowledge needed to continue with followup as part of your homeschooling plan.
thank you. We will pursue this. We thought that davis dyslexia was your screen name, we did not realize it was a person. We just checked out the davis site and we will look into the NH people. Thank you and may God bless you!
Davis Dyslexia Association International (DDAI) is an organization– see https://www.dyslegia.com/about/
It is named for a person, Ronald Davis, who is the author of the book The Gift of Dyslexia and founder of DDAI, though Ron is now retired.
We maintain this legislative tracking site as a free public service. You can find links to specific sites tied to our work here https://www.dyslegia.com/resource-links/davis-dyslexia-sites/
Georgia’s State Senate Study Panel (SR761) http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20172018/SR/761 has met three times, most recently 10/19/18. There is supposed to be a fourth and final meeting before the panel dissolves at the end of the year. That date has not been presented yet. The panel is supposed to make recommendations regarding legislation at that meeting.
Add Texas Dyslexia Handbook Revised 2014, Texas Education Agency.
They are working on another revision now. I don’t see that here.
Beverly — you will find the Texas Dyslexia Handbook listed under Resources Links > State Educational Resources
That page has a list of links to State Dyslexia Guides and Handbook.
The chart on this page is to provide direct links to the laws or statutes —
Has the state of SC passed any laws supporting dyslexics.
The chart on this page has all the state dyslexia lawas that we know of. So not yet in South Carolina, but there is a bill currently pending in the State Legislature (House Bill 4434) that seems likely to pass. You can find and track it here:
https://www.dyslegia.com/2018/01/2018-pending-legislation/
Why is Michigan so far behind regarding legislative help for our children with dyslexia?
Opps, that should be CA AB1369, not AB1469 in my last comment.
Tracy, thank you — that bill is already in our database here:
http://www.dyslegia.com/2015/10/california-2015-2016-ab-1369-special-education-dyslexia/
California passed AB1469 and was signed into law in January 2016
anyone know of any groups working in Nebraska?
Best to connect with Decoding Dyslexia — here is a link to the Facebook page for the Nebraska group:
https://www.facebook.com/DispellingDyslexia
The link to the main Decoding Dyslexia site is in the sidebar, under “Advocacy Organizations”