Bill > SB01271

This bill requires both public and school libraries to develop and adopt three key policies: a collection development and maintenance policy, a library display and program policy, and a library material review and reconsideration policy. These policies aim to ensure that library materials represent diverse viewpoints, are age-appropriate, and are accessible to all users while protecting against discrimination. The bill establishes detailed requirements for each policy, including provisions that library materials cannot be removed solely because someone finds them offensive, and creating a formal process for challenging library materials. For school libraries, the policy development involves consultation with school superintendents, curriculum directors, and librarians, while public libraries' policies will be developed by their board of trustees. The bill provides protections for library staff who implement these policies in good faith, immunizing them from potential liability, and requires that these policies be reviewed and updated every five years. Additionally, the policies must be made publicly available, either on the library's website or in a policy manual, and establish a structured review process for any challenges to library materials that involves multiple stakeholders and ensures fair consideration of such challenges.

Education

Committee on Children

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01271&which_year=2025