Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise public and school library standards in Montana by prohibiting the exclusion of books or resources from school libraries based on certain criteria, such as the creator's background or the content's viewpoint. The bill mandates that school district trustees develop a policy for reviewing objections to library materials, ensuring that challenged materials remain accessible during the review process. Additionally, it requires the submission of a report to the superintendent of public instruction after a challenge is resolved, detailing the material in question and the outcome of the review.

The bill also amends existing laws to prevent public libraries from banning or restricting access to materials based solely on their viewpoints. It establishes a framework for public library boards to adopt policies regarding the selection and reconsideration of library materials, which must be administered by the chief librarian. The bill includes provisions to protect library employees from retaliation when adhering to these policies. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-7-204, 22-1-302
SB0507_1(1): 20-7-204, 22-1-302
SB0507_1(2): 20-7-204, 22-1-302
SB0507_1(3): 20-7-204, 22-1-302
SB0507_1(4): 20-7-204, 22-1-302
SB0507_1(5): 20-7-204, 22-1-302
SB0507_1: 20-7-204, 22-1-302