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Bill Summary · HB 3311

Overview

Missouri HB 3311 (2026) aims to modify and establish provisions relating to school libraries. The bill repeals current §168.770 and enacts two new sections, §168.770 and §168.771, governing school librarian roles, library programs, policy development, and procedures for reviewing and potentially removing library resources. It enshrines First Amendment protections, harassment/discrimination safeguards, and a structured process for reconsideration of library materials.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish a formal framework for school library information and technology programs.
  • Require districts to adopt standardized policies governing collections, display/programming, and the reconsideration/removal of library resources.
  • Protect students’ freedom to read and access to diverse information while ensuring resources are evaluated under clear procedures.
  • Ensure staff protections for good-faith library decisions made under the policy.

Key provisions and changes

Definitions and program standards

  • Defines “school librarian” as a licensed teacher certified as a library media specialist.
  • Defines “school library information and technology program” as a district-based program staffed by a school librarian, offering a broad array of services and promoting reading freedom and student identity, aligned with district improvement plans.
  • Defines “Standards” as the most current Missouri school library program standards adopted by the Missouri Association of School Librarians.

Recognition and rules

  • DESE must develop a process for recognizing a district’s school library information and technology program (before July 1, 2019).
  • DESE may promulgate rules to implement the section, with rules subject to state rulemaking protections (Chapter 536). If rulemaking authority is invalidated, related rules become void.

Policy requirements for school districts (168.771)

Districts must adopt:
- A collection development and maintenance policy.
- A library program and display policy.
- A library material review and reconsideration policy.

These policies must ensure resources:
- Comply with First Amendment protections (as interpreted by relevant case law such as Pico) and Missouri constitutional guarantees on free speech.
- Function as places for voluntary inquiry and dissemination of ideas.
- Include protections against harassment and discrimination (based on race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability).
- Support academic standards, including Missouri learning standards and current Missouri school library program standards.

Library resource removal and reconsideration process

  • Removal of a library resource from the permanent collection may occur only after review under the district’s reconsideration policy, with the following safeguards:
    • Library resources are not censored for doctrinal or partisan reasons or for the author’s origin/background/views.
    • Complaints may be filed by a student, staff member, or parent/guardian of a student.
    • Challenged resources remain available in the library pending final decision.
    • A review committee (minimum composition: principal, librarian/media specialist, classroom teacher, department head for the material’s subject area, and a community member) evaluates the request, reads the material in full, and makes a removal recommendation within 60 school days.
    • The district school board may review the committee’s decision and provide a written statement of reasons if the decision is contrary to the recommendation.
    • After a decision, the resource cannot be reviewed again for four years.
  • Displays and programs must not be limited or censored for doctrinal or partisan reasons.
  • Written reconsideration requests are public and not considered student data, with specific public-access provisions.
  • The policy allows removing outdated resources or accommodating new materials, as long as decisions are not based on personal, political, or doctrinal views.
  • School library staff cannot be retaliated against for following the policy or making good-faith decisions.

Who is affected

  • School districts and their boards of education in Missouri.
  • School librarians/media specialists and district library staff.
  • Students, parents/guardians, teachers, and school administrators involved in library collections and programming.
  • Community members who may serve on review committees.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Policy framework and standards adoption required; recognition process for district programs to be developed by DESE (prior to 2019).
  • Review committee must complete its evaluation and recommendation within 60 school days of receiving a request.
  • After a final board determination, the resource cannot be reconsidered for four years.
  • Policy development and potential rulemaking follow standard Missouri administrative procedures (Chapter 536), with protections against unconstitutional rulemaking changes.

Potential implications

  • Strengthened formal governance of school library resources and programs.
  • Increased transparency of reconsideration processes (public facing reconsideration requests).
  • Enhanced protections for free expression and anti-discrimination within school libraries.
  • More structured, possibly time-bound pathways for challenging materials, with a defined committee composition.
  • Possible operational impact on districts to develop and maintain multiple library policies and ensure compliance with standards.

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

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