HB 123 PROHIBIT LIBRARY BOOK BANNING

Rep Kathleen M Cates

Actions: HPREF [2] not prntd-HRC [5] w/drn-prntd-ref- HCPAC/HEC-HCPAC [7] DP-HEC [10] DP

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 House Bill 123 adds to Public Libraries to prohibit the banning of library materials.

 

 House Bill 123 adds to Public Libraries to prohibit the banning of library materials.
A. House Bill 123 (HB 123) adds to Public Libraries to prohibit book banning.
(1) A public library shall not be eligible to receive state funds unless the library
adopts and complies with the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, including the requirement that library materials not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval or the author's race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation or political or religious views; or 
(2) adopts a written policy prohibiting the practice of banning books or other library materials within the library or library system on the basis of partisan or doctrinal disapproval or the author's race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation or political or religious views pursuant to rules promulgated by the state librarian. 

B. A political subdivision of the state shall not reduce funding for a public library due to the library's compliance with the provisions of Subsection A of this section. 

C. The provisions of Subsection A of this section are not intended to curtail the right of individuals to challenge library materials as part of an approved library collection development policy following established library materials challenge procedures. 

D. Provides definitions as used in this section.

SECTION 2 makes the effective date of this act July 1, 2024.