AN ACT RELATING TO LIBRARIES -- THE FREEDOM TO READ ACT

HB 5726, the Freedom to Read Act, prohibits public libraries and school libraries from removing materials based on disagreement with their content (such as race, gender, or political views), while allowing removals only for content deemed developmentally inappropriate or legally obscene. It requires public libraries to adopt a model policy for material selection and a formal reconsideration process where patrons can challenge materials through a written form, with reviews completed within 30 days by a committee including library staff. The law mandates that challenged materials remain available during review and requires governing bodies to provide written justifications for removal decisions, making them publicly available. This directly affects public libraries, school libraries, and patrons who use these services by establishing clear, transparent procedures for handling material challenges.