Substitute House Bill No. 7014 requires local and regional boards of education to create a policy by January 1, 2026, for evaluating library materials that may be subject to removal or restricted access due to complaints. The bill defines "library material" as books and periodicals available for student inquiry, excluding those required for classroom instruction. It introduces the concept of a "qualified complaint," which can be submitted by students or their parents or guardians. The policy must include a complaint form, a submission process, and establish a library material review committee that includes various educational stakeholders, such as the school principal and a certified school librarian. The bill mandates that no library material can be removed or restricted without a thorough evaluation by this committee, which must provide justification for any actions taken.

Additionally, the bill includes new legal language that prohibits the removal or restriction of library materials based on criteria such as the race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, or political or religious views of authors or characters, as well as the personal discomfort or moral beliefs of board members. It also protects materials discussing an author’s opinions on current events and content related to sexual health, as long as they are deemed appropriate for students based on age, development, and grade level. The policy must be reviewed and updated at least every five years, and the bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The bill has received favorable support from the Education Committee, with a vote of 29 in favor and 15 against, indicating a strong backing for these changes in library material policies within schools.