Bill > HB95

This bill proposes a new law that prevents publicly funded libraries in Missouri from banning or restricting access to books based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval. Specifically, any library receiving money from federal, state, or local government sources would be prohibited from removing books from their collection solely because of ideological disagreements. However, the bill importantly clarifies that libraries are not required to purchase or acquire any specific books they do not want in their collection. This means libraries maintain discretion over what new materials they add, but cannot remove existing materials based on content-based ideological objections. The provision aims to protect intellectual freedom and prevent censorship in public libraries by ensuring that book removal decisions are not made on partisan grounds, while still allowing libraries to make selection choices about new acquisitions.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB95&year=2025&code=R