Bill > S08630

This bill requires boards of education to establish a formal, written policy for reviewing complaints about school library materials, ensuring a structured and transparent process for addressing concerns. The policy must outline how complaints can be submitted, who will review them, and how final decisions will be made. A key component is the creation of a reconsideration committee composed of at least one librarian, teacher, school administrator, parent, and potentially a student. The bill emphasizes that library materials cannot be removed or restricted solely because of disagreement with their themes, ideas, viewpoints, or the identities of authors or characters. Additionally, the bill protects library media specialists from disciplinary action for selecting materials in accordance with district policies. The Commissioner of Education is tasked with developing model policies and regulations to guide school districts, and school library systems are also required to create sample policies that districts can adopt or adapt. The legislation aims to protect intellectual freedom while providing a clear, fair mechanism for addressing concerns about library materials, with the ultimate goal of preserving students' access to diverse reading resources.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8630