Bill > H3598

This bill aims to protect library access to materials and safeguard librarians from challenges to their professional material selection. The bill establishes that attempts to ban, remove, or restrict books in public and school libraries undermine the public good and academic growth, and declares that library materials should not be removed based on personal, political, or doctrinal views. It introduces several key provisions: school libraries must now have a written policy for selecting and using library materials that follows American Library Association standards, with a process for responding to challenges; any material challenge must keep the book on shelves pending a school committee vote, and challenges can only be successful if clear and convincing evidence shows the material lacks educational or social value. The bill also protects librarians from professional retaliation, ensuring they cannot lose certification or be disciplined for selecting materials in good faith. Additionally, the bill requires the board of library commissioners to submit an annual report detailing book challenges across the commonwealth, including information about the challenges, their settings, and outcomes. The legislation emphasizes protecting intellectual freedom, ensuring that library materials are selected based on educational merit and age-appropriateness, and preventing censorship in library collections.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3598