This bill amends existing laws concerning libraries and the materials they provide, particularly focusing on the processes for challenging library materials and obscenity regulations. It repeals the provision related to the offense of furnishing a harmful item to a minor and eliminates the specific process for challenging materials in libraries. To qualify for state funding, libraries are now required to adopt a written policy that prohibits book banning. Additionally, the bill modifies the criminal code to protect employees of schools, museums, or public libraries from liability when disseminating materials deemed obscene while performing their professional duties.

The legislation also updates guidelines for the selection, removal, and retention of materials in school media centers, emphasizing the need for written policies to address challenged materials. It removes the requirement for physical materials to be publicly available and streamlines the process for addressing challenges. Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions for state funding, mandating that the Arkansas State Library only provides funding to libraries with a written policy against banning books based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval. It also repeals existing language that allowed libraries to disclose confidential records to patrons and their guardians, thereby enhancing privacy protections for library users and reinforcing the commitment to intellectual freedom and access to diverse viewpoints.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1028 V2 - 1-16-2025 03:11 PM: 5-27-212, 5-68-501, 01-16-2025, 5-68-308(c), 5-68-405(a), 6-25-105, 25-19-101, 13-2-106, 13-2-704(b)
Old version HB1028 Original - 11-20-2024 02:50 PM: 5-27-212, 5-68-501, 5-68-308(c), 5-68-405(a), 6-25-105, 25-19-101, 13-2-106, 13-2-704(b)
HB 1028: 5-27-212, 5-68-501, 5-68-308(c), 5-68-405(a), 6-25-105, 25-19-101, 13-2-106, 13-2-704(b)