The bill amends sections 11-31-1 and 11-31-10 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-31 entitled "Obscene and Objectionable Publications and Shows." It introduces new language to clarify the definition of obscene material and the criteria for determining obscenity, including the addition of "educational" value as a consideration in determining whether material is obscene. The bill specifies the penalties for promoting obscene material for commercial gain and for selling or exhibiting indecent material to minors, with fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

Additionally, the bill adds a new section, 11-31-16, which establishes an affirmative defense for employees or officials of bona fide schools, museums, or public libraries who are prosecuted under the sections addressing the circulation of obscene publications or the sale or exhibition of obscene publications to minors. This affirmative defense is intended to protect the financial resources of libraries and educational institutions from being expended in litigation. The bill would take effect upon passage, and it aims to ensure that employees of educational and cultural institutions can fulfill their roles without the risk of prosecution for handling potentially objectionable materials.