Report: “Bill Targeting Library Content Passes North Dakota Senate”

From North Dakota Monitor

A bill requiring the removal of obscene or sexually explicit content from public and school libraries passed the Senate Thursday on a 27-20 vote.

Senate Bill 2307, sponsored by Sen. Keith Boehm, R-Mandan, would require public and school libraries to remove explicit content from main areas of the library to areas “not easily accessible” to minors.

“North Dakota has an opportunity to become a leader in child protection,” Boehm said. “Ensuring our schools and libraries are places of education, not exploitation.”

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Boehm suggested explicit content could be moved to a cabinet with proper signs or a roped off section for adults only.

The bill would also require a review process at libraries for the removal of content.

If a person is dissatisfied with the outcome of that review, the bill provides an avenue to petition the local state’s attorney to investigate.

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From KELO

South Dakota’s current law protects librarians at schools, universities and other places from being charged with giving minors harmful materials if it’s part of their job.

“1239 simply removes that exemption and would place libraries, schools on the same exact playing field as every other citizen, every other private business,” South Dakota Family Voice director Norman Woods said.

Elizabeth Fox, president of the South Dakota Library Association, opposes the bill saying the term “harmful to minors” is too subjective.

“It’s not even making them more accountable. It’s putting them in danger of being found guilty of a crime, a crime that none of us intend to commit,” Fox said.

Woods believes libraries currently have too much leniency, but Fox says libraries are willing to work with parents.

Filed under: Libraries, News, School Libraries