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SB 1112

Education - As enacted, prohibits a local board of education or public charter school governing body from removing a material from a library collection for the sole reason that the material is religious. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Lowe

Tennessee law now prohibits schools from removing library materials solely because they contain religious content, protecting religious books from religiously-motivated censorship.

Pub. Ch. 270
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Bill Summary · SB 1112

Legislative bill overview

SB 1112 prohibits Tennessee school boards and public charter schools from removing library materials solely because the material is religious in nature. The law amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49 (Education) and became effective April 24, 2025.

Why is this important

This legislation directly impacts school library collection policies by preventing religious discrimination in material removal decisions. It addresses the practical question of whether schools can exclude books based on religious content, affecting both the availability of religious materials in schools and the standards by which challenged materials are evaluated.

Potential points of contention

  • Interpretation of "sole reason": The phrase "for the sole reason that the material is religious" creates ambiguity—schools could argue materials were removed for other reasons (age-appropriateness, educational value) even if religiosity was a factor, potentially limiting the law's practical effect
  • Religious material scope: Unclear whether this protects all religious perspectives equally or if certain religious viewpoints could still face removal under other justifications
  • Conflict with existing removal policies: May create tension with existing challenged-material procedures that schools use to evaluate appropriateness for grade levels, potentially forcing schools to keep materials they deem unsuitable for their intended audience

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

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