Bills › 89th General Assembly
Relating to the exposure of minors to, and the participation of minors in, inappropriate programming at public libraries and public elementary and secondary schools, and providing penalties
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 22, 2021
- Stopped: SubcommitteeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: House committee
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: Senate committee
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2022 session adjourned on May 24, 2022, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Public libraries and schools would be banned from knowingly letting children see or take part in certain inappropriate programs or art displays. Employees or board members who allow this could face criminal charges and jail time. Additionally, schools and libraries could be forced to pay a large fine if they break this rule.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to the exposure of minors to, and the participation of minors in, inappropriate programming at public libraries and public elementary and secondary schools. Under current law, there is no prohibition on the attendance of minors at an exhibition or display of art works or the use of any materials in any public library. The bill specifies accredited schools and public libraries are not prohibited from allowing minors to participate in an appropriate exhibition or display of art works or the use of any appropriate materials in any public library. The bill prohibits public libraries and elementary and secondary schools from knowingly allowing a minor to be exposed to or participate in inappropriate programming. “Appropriate” and “inappropriate” are defined in the bill. A public library or elementary or secondary school employee, including an employee or board member of a public library or elementary or secondary school acting in a supervisory role who approves and facilitates inappropriate programming, or who knowingly allows a minor to be exposed to or participate in inappropriate programming shall, upon conviction, be guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor. An aggravated misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than two years and a fine of at least $855 but not more than $8,540. A public library or elementary or secondary school that knowingly allows a minor to be exposed to or participate in inappropriate programming shall be liable for a civil penalty of $75,000, which penalty may be recovered by an aggrieved parent or guardian of a minor who was exposed to the inappropriate programming. The prevailing party shall be awarded reasonable attorney fees and court costs.