The bill amends sections 11-31-1 and 11-31-10 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-31, titled "Obscene and Objectionable Publications and Shows," to include new provisions and defenses related to the circulation and sale of obscene materials. The amendments clarify the criteria for determining whether material is obscene, including whether it appeals to the prurient interest, depicts sexual conduct in an offensive way, and lacks serious literary, artistic, educational, political, or scientific value. The term "educational" has been inserted into the criteria for assessing the value of the work. The bill also establishes that community standards will be used to judge the work and defines terms such as "material," "promote," and "sexual conduct."

Additionally, the bill provides an affirmative defense for employees or officials of bona fide schools, museums, or public libraries who are prosecuted under these sections, recognizing the role of these institutions in providing diverse and balanced collections of materials to the public. The bill aims to protect the financial resources of libraries and educational institutions from being expended in litigation related to these offenses. The bill would take effect upon passage, and the explanation by the Legislative Council indicates that the act would establish employment at a school, museum, or library as a defense against crimes related to circulating or selling obscene publications or shows.