Substitute Senate Bill No. 1271 establishes new 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 in accordance with anti-discrimination protections. The bill emphasizes the importance of diverse viewpoints and age-appropriate content, requiring policies to be reviewed and updated every five years. It introduces a formal process for individuals with a vested interest, such as parents or guardians, to challenge library materials, ensuring that challenged materials remain available during the review process. The bill also includes provisions for a review committee to evaluate challenges and allows for appeals to the local or regional board of education.

Additionally, the bill provides legal protections for library staff against liability when implementing these policies and allows them to take legal action against harassment related to their enforcement. It prohibits the removal or censorship of library materials solely based on personal offense and establishes a structured process for reconsideration requests, including a 60-day decision timeline and a three-year waiting period for re-evaluation of the same material. The new legal language inserted into the bill highlights the importance of diverse viewpoints and the professional role of librarians, while certain provisions have been deleted to streamline the review process and clarify definitions related to library materials. Overall, the bill aims to promote free access to information while ensuring a fair and transparent process for addressing concerns about library content.