Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to obscenity exemptions for public libraries and educational institutions
Sponsored by Sen. Lynn Evans (R)
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 27, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 3, 2026
- Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: House committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: To the Governor
- 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, laws against obscene material do not apply to books or art used in public libraries, schools, or educational programs for minors. This bill would remove those special protections. If passed, the rules against obscene material would apply to these locations and programs.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.
Senate subcommittee
Named February 3, 2026. On February 16, 2026 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
121 written public comments to its subcommittee: February 16, 2026 (121) · on the Legislature’s site
Family tree
Tried before
91st General Assembly
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 institutions90th General Assembly · In committee · same titleCleared committee
Similar bills this General Assembly
- HF 274 Relating to obscenity exemptions for public libraries and educational institutions91st General Assembly · Renumbered as HF 521Nearly identical
Matched by wording or an identical title.