summary
Introduced
10/21/2025
10/21/2025
In Committee
10/28/2025
10/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Prohibition on State Interference in Museum Content Act. Sets forth the purpose of the Act. Defines "museum" as an institution or entity located in the State that: (1) is operated by the State, a local governmental unit, a non-profit corporation, a trust, an association, or an educational institution that receives State funds; (2) is operated primarily for educational, scientific, historic preservation, cultural, or aesthetic purposes; and (3) owns, borrows, cares for, exhibits, studies, archives, or catalogues property. Provides that "museum" includes, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following institutions or entities that receive State funds: historical societies; historic sites; landmarks; parks; archives; monuments; botanical gardens; arboreta; zoos; nature centers; planetaria; aquaria; libraries; technology centers; and art, history, science, and natural history museums. Provides that a State or local governmental unit shall not interfere in the creation or content of (i) exhibits and programming in museums or (ii) events in museums that are related to race, gender, or historical events. Provides that a museum shall base its exhibits and programming on credible scholarship and inclusive narratives. Provides that a museum shall prioritize partnerships between the museum and historians, educators, and cultural leaders regarding exhibits in the museum to ensure that the exhibits are balanced and fact-based. Effective January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Prohibition on State Interference in Museum Content Act, which aims to protect museums from political censorship and ensure the integrity of their exhibits and programming. The bill defines a museum broadly as any institution primarily focused on educational, scientific, historic, cultural, or aesthetic purposes, including historical societies, zoos, libraries, and museums of various disciplines, that receives state funds. The legislation prohibits state and local governmental units from interfering with museum exhibits, programming, or events related to race, gender, or historical events. Museums receiving public funding are required to base their exhibits on credible scholarship and inclusive narratives, and are encouraged to prioritize partnerships with historians, educators, and cultural leaders to ensure exhibits are balanced and fact-based. The bill seeks to protect museums' academic freedom and prevent political manipulation of historical and cultural narratives, with the provisions set to take effect on January 1, 2027. By mandating collaboration with subject matter experts and emphasizing inclusivity and scholarly rigor, the bill aims to promote more comprehensive and nuanced representations of historical and cultural topics in museum settings.
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Michael Crawford (on 12/04/2025)
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