Bill > SB238

This bill establishes new policies for public and school libraries regarding access to library materials and introduces affirmative defenses for certain offenses when an individual is acting in their official capacity as an employee or official of a school, museum, or public library. Specifically, it amends existing laws to allow librarians to curate materials based on policies approved by governing bodies, and mandates the creation of model policies for selecting, removing, and protecting library materials from censorship. These model policies must ensure libraries serve as centers for voluntary inquiry, promote free expression and access to ideas, and prohibit removal of materials based on their origin, background, or expressed views, with specific exceptions for sexually explicit content that meets a three-part legal test. The bill also creates a private right of action for individuals, students, authors, booksellers, and publishers to sue government entities for censoring library materials or retaliating against employees who refuse to censor them, and defines key terms like "censor" and "library material."

Education, Justice

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB238