The "Freedom to Read Act" is designed to safeguard individuals' rights, particularly for students, to access a wide variety of library materials without facing censorship. It reinforces the notion that the freedom to read is a constitutionally protected right under the First Amendment, affirming that students retain their rights to free speech and expression in school settings. The bill requires school boards to implement policies that promote diverse viewpoints in library collections and prohibits censorship based on the origin or content of materials. It also establishes a clear process for handling requests to remove library materials, ensuring that challenged items remain accessible until a final decision is reached.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of library staff in curating collections and responding to removal requests, while providing them immunity from civil and criminal liability when acting in good faith. It mandates the creation of a model policy for public libraries regarding the removal of materials, which includes a formal request process and the establishment of a review committee to evaluate such requests. The legislation explicitly prohibits the removal of materials based on their origin or the views of their creators, thereby protecting against censorship and ensuring that residents can access diverse and inclusive works. The act is set to take effect one year after its enactment, allowing time for necessary preparations by relevant authorities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10:5-12