Bill > H5726

This bill establishes the "Freedom to Read Act" to protect intellectual freedom and prohibit censorship in public and school libraries across Rhode Island. The legislation affirms that the freedom to read is a fundamental human right protected by the First Amendment and the state constitution, emphasizing that individuals have the right to access information and explore different perspectives without government interference. The bill requires both public and school libraries to develop model policies that prevent the removal of library materials based on their origin, background, or viewpoints, and establishes a formal process for handling challenges to library materials. It defines censorship carefully, distinguishing between legitimate content evaluation and arbitrary removal of materials, and provides protections for librarians who curate collections according to professional standards. The bill also creates a private right of action, allowing librarians, students, parents, authors, and publishers to sue government bodies that engage in censorship, with potential damages ranging from $500 to $5,000 per censored work and provisions for recovering attorneys' fees. Additionally, the bill includes amendments to existing obscenity laws to provide affirmative defenses for libraries and educational institutions facing potential prosecution for maintaining diverse collections, ultimately aiming to preserve intellectual freedom and protect libraries' ability to serve their communities.

Government Affairs

https://status.rilegislature.gov/