Libraries - As introduced, prohibits libraries from banning, removing, or otherwise restricting access to a book or other material based solely on its viewpoint or the messages, ideas, or opinions it conveys, except as otherwise authorized. - Amends TCA Title 10 and Title 49.
HB 715, the "Freedom to Read Act," prohibits Tennessee public libraries (including school and university libraries) from banning or restricting access to books or materials solely based on their viewpoint or the ideas they express. Exceptions are allowed for practical reasons (like damaged books), age-appropriate content decisions, or legal compliance. Libraries must adopt policies for handling material challenges and report all challenges to the state library coordinator. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not apply to specialized libraries like law or medical collections.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 5, 2025
Last action Mar 18, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
4
Mar 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
Taken off notice for cal in s/c Departments & Agencies Subcommittee of State & Local Government Committee
lower
Mar 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Departments & Agencies Subcommittee for 3/18/2025
lower
Feb 10, 2025
Committee
Assigned to s/c Departments & Agencies Subcommittee
lower
Feb 6, 2025
Committee
P2C, ref. to State & Local Government Committee
lower
Feb 5, 2025
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Justin Jones
DDemocratic
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