Substitute Senate Bill No. 1271 establishes comprehensive policies for the development, maintenance, and review of library materials in both school and public libraries. It mandates that local and regional boards of education and public library governing bodies adopt specific policies that ensure library materials are accessible and evaluated without discrimination based on factors such as race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The bill introduces a formal process for individuals with a vested interest, such as parents, guardians, or eligible students, to challenge library materials, requiring that these materials remain available during the review process. It also stipulates that decisions regarding challenged materials must be made within sixty school days and allows for appeals to the local board of education or library's governing body.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the removal or censorship of library materials solely based on personal offense and provides immunity from liability for library staff acting in good faith under these policies. It requires that library policies be reviewed and updated every five years and clarifies definitions related to library materials and stakeholders involved in the reconsideration process. Notably, the bill modifies existing laws to ensure that public libraries must adopt these new policies to qualify for state grants, thereby promoting a fair and transparent process for addressing challenges to library materials while protecting the rights of both patrons and library staff.