AB 657/SB 615: Ban on Book Bans

This bill would require governmental units and schools to refrain from banning or unreasonably restricting access to materials based on viewpoint.

Failed to pass both houses, will not become law this session

This bill provides that no library, public or private elementary or secondary school, or institution of higher education is eligible for receipt of state or local funds if the entity prohibits, bans, or unreasonably restricts access to any book or other media based upon 1) partisan or doctrinal disapproval or 2) the origin, background, or views of those contributing to the creation of the book or other media. The bill also provides that no state agency or local governmental unit may prohibit, ban, or unreasonably restrict access to any book or other media on these bases.

Book bans and censorship efforts have a chilling effect and have historically been used to ban material about race and LGBTQ+ issues from local libraries and classrooms.