Bill > HB1146

This bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for how public libraries in Missouri can review and potentially remove or relocate library materials and digital library materials in response to community complaints. The bill defines key terms such as "digital library materials" (which includes digital audiobooks, e-books, electronic journals, and streaming video), "material" (any communicative medium), and "reconsideration" (a formal review process for library materials). To request a reconsideration, an individual must sign a form affirming they have fully read/consumed the challenged material, permanently reside in the library's taxing district, and hold a library card for that library. Libraries must create and publicly post a policy outlining the reconsideration process, develop an appeals mechanism, and ensure that materials can only be removed or relocated after a thorough review. The bill also includes privacy protections, particularly for minors, by prohibiting tracking of individual users' digital library material access and preventing third-party notifications. Additionally, the bill protects library staff from professional retaliation if they refuse to remove materials before a proper review. For digital materials specifically, the bill allows for removal at the title or article level without disrupting access to entire databases, and mandates that curation occur at the library system level rather than targeting individual users.