Bill > HB1977

This bill, titled the "Protecting Childhood Innocence in Libraries Act," aims to regulate the availability of sexually explicit materials in children's library sections of public schools and taxpayer-funded libraries in Arkansas. The legislation requires libraries to take reasonable steps to ensure that sexually explicit material is not placed on open shelves in children's areas, defined as sections primarily for children 12 years old and under. Sex education materials cannot be on open shelving but can be accessed with parental consent. The bill provides parents and guardians with a legal cause of action if their child is exposed to sexually explicit material, allowing them to seek damages, declaratory relief, and injunctive relief within two years of the incident. The bill defines "sexually explicit material" narrowly, focusing on graphic depictions of sexual acts, and excludes materials that merely mention sexual topics without graphic details. Libraries found in violation could be required to pay attorney fees and costs. The legislation is grounded in legislative findings that emphasize parents' rights to control their children's exposure to sexual content, the importance of age-appropriate materials, and the role of libraries in supporting educational opportunities for children.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1977&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R