The proposed "Freedom to Read Act" introduces a new chapter to Title 29 of the General Laws, aimed at safeguarding library materials from censorship in public and school libraries. The bill defines key terms such as "censorship," which refers to the suppression or restriction of library materials based on disagreement with their content, and "developmentally inappropriate," which pertains to materials misaligned with a child's cognitive, emotional, or social development.

The legislation mandates the creation of model policies for public and school libraries that prioritize diverse viewpoints and protect against censorship. It outlines the responsibilities of government bodies, librarians, and individuals with vested interests in libraries, including procedures for reconsideration requests to ensure that challenged materials remain accessible during the review process.

Public libraries are required to establish a model policy for handling reconsideration requests, which includes forming a review committee to assess these requests and report findings within thirty business days. The bill provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for library staff acting in good faith and prohibits government bodies from reducing library funding based on compliance with the act.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws concerning obscene publications, offering an affirmative defense for libraries and their employees against prosecution for distributing materials deemed indecent or obscene, thereby reinforcing the principles of free access to information and the integrity of library collections.