The "Freedom to Read Act" seeks to enhance the curation of library materials in public school libraries and public libraries while providing legal protections for school library media specialists and librarians against harassment. The bill mandates that boards of education and governing boards of public libraries adopt policies that promote diverse and inclusive materials, ensuring that students have access to a wide range of age-appropriate resources. It also requires the Commissioner of Education and the State Librarian to create model policies to assist in this process. Additionally, the legislation outlines procedures for handling requests for the removal of library materials, emphasizing the importance of protecting the freedom to read as a constitutional right.

To further safeguard library professionals, the bill grants immunity from criminal and civil liability for actions taken in compliance with the act and establishes a civil cause of action for harassment experienced in the course of their duties. It defines harassment and emotional distress while providing an affirmative defense for obscenity prosecutions related to their work. The bill also expands the "Law Against Discrimination" to protect library staff from discrimination for refusing to remove library materials, thereby reinforcing the professional integrity of librarians and the importance of equitable access to information.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10:5-12