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Bill > HF521
IA HF521
IA HF521A bill for an act relating to obscenity exemptions for public libraries and educational institutions.(Formerly HF 274.)
summary
Introduced
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
In Committee
04/03/2025
04/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill repeals Code section 728.7, which relates to obscenity exemptions for public libraries and educational institutions. Code section 728.7 currently provides that nothing in Code chapter 728 (obscenity) prohibits the use of appropriate material for educational purposes in any accredited school, any public library, or in any educational program in which a minor is participating. Code section 728.7 further provides that Code chapter 728 does not prohibit the attendance of minors at an exhibition or display of art works or the use of any materials in any public library. Code section 728.1 defines “obscene material”, which includes material the average person, taking the material as a whole and applying contemporary community standards with respect to what is suitable material for minors, would find appeals to the prurient interest and is patently offensive; and the material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, scientific, political, or artistic value.
AI Summary
This bill proposes to repeal (completely remove) Section 728.7 of the Iowa Code, which currently provides important legal protections for public libraries, schools, and educational institutions regarding obscenity standards. Under the existing law, these institutions were exempt from obscenity prohibitions when using materials for educational purposes, allowing libraries and schools to maintain collections and educational programs without fear of legal prosecution. The repeal would eliminate these existing protections, potentially making public libraries, schools, and educational programs more vulnerable to legal challenges regarding the appropriateness of educational materials. By removing this section, the bill could significantly impact how educational institutions and libraries select and maintain materials, potentially creating a more restrictive environment for accessing educational resources. The bill does not provide alternative language or replacement provisions, meaning the current protections would simply cease to exist if the bill is enacted.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Education (House)
Last Action
Referred to Education. H.J. 895. (on 04/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF521 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF521.html |
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