Signed by Governor Doug Burgum

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with senate passage and pass a bill that prohibits "explicit sexual material" in public libraries' children's collections.

Highlights:

• Prohibits public libraries from keeping books that contain explicit sexual material in their children’s book collections (Sec. 1). 

• Requires that each public library create a system for reviewing their collection to adhere to the above rule by January 1st, 2024 (Sec. 1). 

• Requires this process include the following procedures (Sec. 1): 

• Procedures for the removal or relocation of explicitly sexual material; 

• Procedures for the development of a collection that is appropriate for the age and maturity level of those reading it and adheres to the purpose of the library; 

• Procedures for the public library to receive, evaluate, and respond to a request to remove or relocate a book due to sexually explicit material; and 

• Procedures for the periodic review of the library materials to ensure that none need to be removed or relocated. 

• Requires each public library to submit a compliance report to the legislative management before May 1, 2024 (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that prohibits "explicit sexual material" in public libraries' children's collections.

Highlights:

• Prohibits public libraries from keeping books that contain explicit sexual material in their children’s book collections (Sec. 1). 

• Requires that each public library create a system for reviewing their collection to adhere to the above rule by January 1st, 2024 (Sec. 1). 

• Requires this process include the following procedures (Sec. 1): 

• Procedures for the removal or relocation of explicitly sexual material; 

• Procedures for the development of a collection that is appropriate for the age and maturity level of those reading it and adheres to the purpose of the library; 

• Procedures for the public library to receive, evaluate, and respond to a request to remove or relocate a book due to sexually explicit material; and 

• Procedures for the periodic review of the library materials to ensure that none need to be removed or relocated. 

• Requires each public library to submit a compliance report to the legislative management before May 1, 2024 (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text