HB 2008, the "Library Freedom Act," prohibits Arizona public schools from using taxpayer funds to pay dues or membership fees to professional associations that advocate for libraries and librarians. This directly affects public school libraries and their governing bodies, preventing them from financially supporting such associations with public money. The bill includes an exception allowing county free libraries, municipal libraries, or other contracted entities to still join these associations using their own funds. The law clarifies that "school library" encompasses the school's library, all sites it serves, and the school governing body.
HB 2992 establishes a two-year pilot program in Arizona public schools for students in grades 6-8, requiring six selected schools to provide evidence-based sexual abuse prevention education. The program mandates 4 hours of teacher training on prevention, identification, and responses to abuse (including technology-facilitated abuse), and 3 hours of age-appropriate student instruction focused on recognizing abuse, boundary violations, disclosure strategies, and bystander action. Parents may opt their child out of the program with written notice, and participating schools must submit a report by October 2028 detailing participation and feedback. The pilot is funded by $100,000 from the victim compensation fund and will expire after December 31, 2028.
HB 2135 creates civil liability for organizations that implement diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies as defined in the bill. It allows individuals to sue "covered entities" (like corporations, schools, or government agencies) for at least $100,000 in damages if they believe such policies violate specific prohibited concepts - such as claiming one race is inherently superior, that the U.S. is fundamentally racist, or that meritocracy is racist. The bill specifies that lawsuits must be filed within three years of the alleged violation and includes provisions for injunctive relief, declaratory judgments, and attorney fees. This legislation directly affects organizations operating in Arizona that adopt DEI programs meeting the bill’s narrow definition.
