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Bills › 91st General Assembly

SF 235Died when the session ended · February 25, 2025

Relating to obscenity exemptions for public libraries and educational institutions

Sponsored by Sen. Sandy Salmon (R)

Topics:Civil rightsK–12 educationBooks & libraries

Same legislation: HF 274, HF 521

Write your legislators about it

Also covers HF 274 and HF 521.

Official bill pageLobbyist declarationsOne-pager to print

Where it is now

  1. Done: IntroducedFebruary 10, 2025
  2. Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 17, 2025
  3. Done: Senate committeeFebruary 20, 2025
  4. Stopped: Passes the SenateDied when the General Assembly ended
  5. Next: House committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
  6. Next: Passes the House
  7. Next: To the Governor
  8. Next: Signed into law

Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, 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 Currently, schools and public libraries are allowed to use certain materials that might otherwise be considered obscene if they are used for education or art. This bill would remove those special protections for libraries, schools, and educational programs. Removing this rule would change how obscenity laws apply to materials used in these places.1

Read the official explanation

7, which relates to obscenity exemptions for public libraries and educational institutions.7 currently provides that nothing in Code chapter 728 (obscenity) prohibits the use of appropriate material for educational purposes in any accredited school, any public library, or in any educational program in which a minor is participating.7 further provides that Code chapter 728 does not prohibit the attendance of minors at an exhibition or display of art works or the use of any materials in any public library. 1 defines “obscene material”, which includes material the average person, taking the material as a whole and applying contemporary community standards with respect to what is suitable material for minors, would find appeals to the prurient interest and is patently offensive; and the material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, scientific, political, or artistic value.

Full bill text2

Senate subcommittee

Named February 17, 2025. On February 25, 2025 it recommended passage.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

1,147 written public comments to its subcommittee: February 25, 2025 (186), February 17, 2025 (961) · on the Legislature’s site

Iowa Code it changes

Repeals§728.7

How the Code works3

Lobbying

9 for · 16 against · 6 undecided · Who →

Family tree

Tried before

HF 2040Cleared committee90th GA

91st General Assembly

SF 235Cleared committeeSenate companionHF 274RenumberedHouse companionHF 521Cleared committeefrom HF 274

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title.

Tried before

This idea has been filed in an earlier General Assembly. None got through a chamber.

  • HF 2040 Relating to obscenity exemptions for public libraries and educational institutions
    90th General Assembly · In committee · same title
    Cleared committee

Similar bills this General Assembly

  • SF 2119 Relating to obscenity exemptions for public libraries and educational institutions
    91st General Assembly · Subcommittee recommends passage
    Nearly identical

Matched by wording or an identical title.