Bill > HB2449

This bill requires public libraries established by counties, cities, or towns in Tennessee to create and adopt a policy for reconsidering library materials, which can include physical books, e-books, magazines, audio recordings, digital resources, and games. This policy must outline a process allowing any legal resident of the county where the library is located to formally request that the library remove an item from its collection, reclassify it, or move it to a different section. The policy must specify that any item can be reviewed, require a specific application form for these requests, and mandate that the library board respond to such requests within 90 days with a decision to keep the item as is, relocate or reclassify it, remove it, or provide a timeline for a full response. All decisions made by the library board regarding these reconsideration requests are final and remain in effect for up to 30 months, and the board cannot consider a new request for an item if a decision is already in effect, though the board can initiate its own reconsideration. The bill also allows libraries to optionally require applicants to attest they have reviewed the item, present identification, limit the number of requests an individual can make, and deny requests if they are intended to disrupt library operations. This new policy will take effect on July 1, 2027.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2449&ga=114