California Bill Would Restrict Libraries From Removing Content Deemed Inappropriate

A California bill would prohibit libraries from banning, limiting access to, or removing books they deem inappropriate.

Assembly Bill 1825 would prohibit a governing board or body of any public library that receives state funding from making materials unavailable based on subject matter such as sexual content, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and political affiliation, among other content. It states everyone has the right to access library materials regardless of age or other personal characteristics.

The legislation allows for an exception to the sexual content guideline if the content “qualifies as obscene under United States Supreme Court precedent,” according to the bill text.

The bill would not impact school libraries.

AB 1825, called the California Freedom to Read Act, passed the state Assembly in May and underwent a second reading in the Senate’s appropriations committee Aug. 6. It will proceed to a Senate floor vote once the legislation is approved by the committee after the third reading.

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