Bill > HB119

This bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for library collections across public and school libraries in Delaware, focusing on protecting intellectual freedom and creating transparent processes for handling material objections. The legislation defines library materials broadly as including books, periodicals, audio/visual content, and electronic resources, and establishes key principles that libraries must follow: materials should be provided for the interest and enlightenment of all users, cannot be excluded or removed based on the creator's background or views, and cannot be removed due to partisan, ideological, or religious disapproval. The bill requires all public and school libraries to adopt written collection development policies that include specific procedures for material review, such as allowing materials to remain available during review processes and limiting who can submit objections. The legislation also protects library employees and contractors from retaliation for following these principles, creates a School Library Review Committee to handle appeals, and mandates that all records related to material objections and removals be considered public records. Additionally, the bill tasks the Division of Libraries with developing model policies to help libraries comply with these new requirements, ultimately aiming to ensure that library collections remain diverse, accessible, and free from unwarranted censorship.

Government Affairs

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142127