Bill > HB4250

This bill, titled the "Public Library Freedom to Read Act," establishes comprehensive standards and processes for material selection and management in public libraries. The bill defines key terms like "material" (which includes books, magazines, DVDs, and other items in a library's collection) and sets clear guidelines for how libraries can handle requests to reconsider or remove materials from their collections. Libraries must develop policies that outline selection and withdrawal standards, and create a formal process for handling reconsideration requests. Importantly, the bill prohibits requests for material removal based on characteristics of the author or the material's subject matter related to protected categories like race, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Requests for reconsideration can only be granted if the material has been legally determined to be obscene or unprotected by the First Amendment. The bill empowers the state attorney general and local residents to take legal action if a library fails to comply with these guidelines, including seeking injunctions or mandamus orders to prevent unlawful material removal. Libraries must adopt compliant policies within 90 days of the act's effective date, and the bill is tied to the passage of a related House Bill, meaning it will only take effect if that companion legislation is also enacted.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4250