Relates to the practice of banning books by publicly funded libraries

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Charles Lavine and 3 co-sponsors

New York A 3368 would regulate how publicly funded libraries ban or restrict books, adding safeguards, transparency, and procedures to challenged materials.

REFERRED TO LIBRARIES AND EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

Overview

A 3368 is a proposed New York bill with the title “Relates to the practice of banning books by publicly funded libraries.” Introduced on January 27, 2025, the bill is currently referred to the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology for consideration. The sponsors include primary sponsor Charles Lavine and several cosponsors: Jo Anne Simon, Dana Levenberg, and Rebecca Seawright. Related bills include A 7830 (from a prior session) and S 8116 (companion).

Purpose and intent

The bill appears to address how publicly funded libraries undertake or regulate the banning (removal or restriction) of books and other materials.

As introduced, the specific statutory language is not provided in the material available here, so the exact definitions, standards, and procedures the bill would establish or modify are not yet known.

The general policy aim, based on the title, is to influence or constrain library practices related to banning materials, with an emphasis on governance over the use and removal of library resources that are publicly funded.

Key provisions (availability pending)

The precise provisions, definitions (e.g., what constitutes “banning” or “publicly funded libraries”), standards, due-process requirements, transparency measures, appeal processes, reporting duties, or enforcement mechanisms are not included in the material provided.

When the bill’s text becomes available, expect sections that:

Define scope (which libraries and materials are covered)
Establish criteria or procedural safeguards for deciding to remove or restrict materials
Require public notice, open meetings, or resident/input requirements
Specify reporting or oversight provisions and potential penalties or remedies
Outline timelines for implementation or phasing if applicable

Affected parties

Public libraries and library systems in New York

Library boards, administrators, and staff responsible for collection management

Library patrons and the general public, who may be affected by bans or challenges to materials

Authors, publishers, and other stakeholders involved in challenged materials

State or local oversight bodies if new reporting or governance requirements are created

Procedural status and timeline

Introduced: January 27, 2025

Status: REFERRED TO LIBRARIES AND EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY ( Assembly Committee)

Legislative actions shown: two identical referrals on the same date

Related companion and prior-session bills may indicate broader legislative interest or alignment with other proposals (S 8116; A 7830)

Next steps

Review the full bill text to understand exact definitions, requirements, remedies, and penalties.

Monitor committee hearings and amendments in the Libraries and Education Technology committee.

Compare with related bills (A 7830, S 8116) to see alignment or differences in approach.

If you’d like, I can monitor updates and provide a plain-language interpretation once the bill text or committee reports are released.

Bill