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H 3591

An Act ensuring our freedom to read in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Barrett and 11 co-sponsors

Protects freedom to read by expanding public libraries and digital resources, prohibiting book bans, and guiding MBLC rules to ensure broad access for all Massachusetts residents.

Accompanied H3594
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Bill Summary · H 3591

Summary of H.3591: An Act ensuring our freedom to read in the Commonwealth

Overview

  • Bill: H.3591 (Accompanied by H.3594)
  • Title: An Act ensuring our freedom to read in the Commonwealth
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: Representative James K. Hawkins (Attleboro)
  • Status: Referred to the House committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development; accompanied by House Bill 3594
  • Effective date: Upon passage

Purpose and Intent

The bill declares a state policy to support and expand free public libraries and public library systems across Massachusetts. It aims to promote cooperation among libraries (including digital resources) and to protect the freedom to acquire materials without external limitations, shielding libraries from efforts to ban, remove, or restrict access to books or other materials.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Administrative authority

    • The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) shall administer the Act and prescribe necessary rules and regulations to implement its provisions.

  • Standards and objectives (to be established by MBLC)
    The Act outlines specific goals the MBLC must pursue, including:

    • A. Public library service for every resident by extending facilities to unserved areas.
    • B. Provision of library materials meeting student needs at all educational levels.
    • C. Adequate materials to satisfy reference and research needs for all residents.
    • D. Adequate professionally trained librarians.
    • E. Adoption of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights (or an alternative written statement affirming the library’s authority to maintain an adequate and diverse collection) and prohibition on banning specific books or resources.
    • F. Adequate library outlets and facilities with convenient access in time and place.
    • G. Encouragement of library systems that serve sufficiently large populations at reasonable cost.
    • H. Economic and efficient use of public funds to improve libraries and systems.

  • Advisory role of SACL

    • The Massachusetts State Advisory Council on Libraries (SACL) shall consult with and advise the MBLC on matters under the Act, especially regarding the formation of public library systems.

  • Scope of resources

    • Emphasis on sharing public library resources, including digital resources, across library systems.

  • Take effect

    • The Act takes effect upon passage.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Public libraries and library systems throughout Massachusetts
  • Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC)
  • Massachusetts State Advisory Council on Libraries (SACL)
  • Residents and students who rely on public libraries for access to materials, digital resources, and research support

Implementation and Timeline

  • Legislative actions indicate initial committee referral on February 27, 2025, with a hearing noted for July 22, 2025.
  • The companion bill status (H.3594) suggests parallel consideration or amendments.
  • The Act would be implemented through MBLC rulemaking to meet the stated standards, with SACL providing ongoing advisory input.
  • The effective date is “upon passage,” meaning immediate application once enacted.

Related Information

  • Similar or related matter previously filed as H.4005 (2023-2024 session)
  • Legislative notes show accompanying action on H3594 as of October–November 2025

This bill foregrounds protecting access to reading materials and expanding library services while providing a framework for library governance, resource sharing, and safeguards against censorship.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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