Bill > H3594

This bill addresses student free expression and library material selection in Massachusetts public schools and libraries, with several key provisions. It declares that attempts to ban or restrict library materials undermine public good and academic growth, and that librarians should be protected from personal attacks. The bill expands student rights by adding a new provision allowing students to receive educational and age-appropriate library materials, and establishes detailed guidelines for selecting and maintaining library collections. School committees must now create written policies for library material selection based on American Library Association standards, and any challenges to library materials must follow a specific process where challenged materials remain available during review. The bill protects librarians from professional retaliation when they select materials in good faith, and requires that material removal can only occur through a school committee vote with clear evidence that the material lacks educational value. Additionally, the bill mandates that the board of library commissioners submit an annual report detailing book challenges across the state, including specifics about where and how challenges occurred. The legislation also makes several minor language updates to existing laws, such as replacing gendered terms like "chairman" with gender-neutral alternatives like "chair."

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3594