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SJ 251

Public school libraries; JLARC to study removal of books.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ghazala Hashmi and 1 co-sponsor

JLARC will study and document how and why books were removed from public school libraries since 2020, including processes, oversight, and divisions involved.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ251ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 251

Summary — SJ 251 (2025)

Public school libraries; JLARC to study removal of books

Purpose and intent

SJ 251 directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to conduct a statewide study of the removal of books from public school libraries. The resolution responds to variation across school divisions in how books were removed — including differing procedures, standards, and reliance (or not) on § 22.1‑16.8 of the Code of Virginia and related Department of Education guidance — and seeks a factual inventory to inform possible legislative or policy responses.

Key provisions

  • Directs JLARC to study books removed from public school libraries after July 1, 2020.
  • Requires JLARC to survey each school division (the enrolled text references 135 divisions) and identify:
    • Which divisions removed books from any school library based on content.
    • For each removed book: title, author, other identifiers; fiscal year of removal; school; whether removal followed a “challenge committee” recommendation or was directed by school board members, principals, superintendents, or other administrators.
    • How the review was initiated, the role of the school librarian/media specialist, other involved employees and their roles.
    • Whether § 22.1‑16.8 or a policy adopted under that section was used to justify the removal.
    • Which divisions have committees to review current or proposed library books; whether those committees include a librarian/media specialist and whether meetings are advertised and open to the public.
  • Requires JLARC, in consultation with relevant state agencies, to identify state-level resources available to support school administrators in making decisions about book removals.
  • Local school divisions must provide technical assistance; all Commonwealth agencies must assist upon request.
  • Procedural deadlines in the enrolled text: JLARC to complete its meetings by August 1, 2025; chairman to submit an executive summary of findings and recommendations to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems by October 1, 2025. The executive summary must state whether JLARC intends to publish a full report; materials are to be posted on the General Assembly website.

Who is affected

  • Students and parents (potential impacts on access to library materials and parental notification practices)
  • School librarians and media specialists (documenting their role in review/removal)
  • School divisions, school boards, superintendents, principals (survey subjects and potential targets of future policy changes)
  • JLARC and state agencies (tasked with study, coordination, and reporting)

Procedural/status notes

  • Prefiled Dec 31, 2024; offered Jan 8, 2025.
  • Passed the Senate (voice vote) and the House (55–43) and enrolled as SJ251ER (bill text as passed both chambers).
  • This is a study/resolution directing JLARC; it does not itself change statute or appropriate funds. The resulting JLARC findings may inform future legislation or agency action.

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

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