The "Protection of School Library Materials Act" is a new piece of legislation enacted to establish guidelines for the management of library resources in public schools in New Mexico. The Act requires local school boards and charter school governing bodies to create and submit written policies regarding the acquisition, retention, display, and use of library resources by September 1, 2025. These policies must comply with constitutional protections of free speech and ensure protection against harassment and discrimination based on various characteristics, including disability, race, and gender identity.
Additionally, the Act outlines a formal process for the reconsideration of library resources, allowing parents of enrolled students to request reviews of materials. It stipulates that resources can only be removed after a thorough review process and prohibits retaliation against library staff for adhering to these policies. The provisions of this Act will take effect on July 1, 2025.