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Bill

HB 1977

TO CREATE THE PROTECTING CHILDHOOD INNOCENCE IN LIBRARIES ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Bentley and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1977 protects children under 12 by banning sexually explicit materials in libraries, empowering parents to control access to sensitive content.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1977

Summary of House Bill 1977: Protecting Childhood Innocence in Libraries Act

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1977, titled the Protecting Childhood Innocence in Libraries Act, was introduced to ensure that children have access to age-appropriate materials in public and school libraries. The bill aims to protect young children from exposure to sexually explicit content and to empower parents in determining when and how their children should learn about sexual education.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  1. Prohibition of Sexually Explicit Material:

    • Public school and taxpayer-funded libraries are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that sexually explicit materials are not available on open shelving in children's library sections.

  2. Access to Sex Education Materials:

    • Sex education materials are not to be placed on open shelving but can be accessed or checked out by children aged twelve and under upon request from a parent or guardian.

  3. Private Cause of Action:

    • Parents or guardians whose children are exposed to sexually explicit materials in children's library sections can file a civil lawsuit against the library. This includes:
      • Claims for damages and injunctive relief.
      • A two-year statute of limitations for filing such actions.
      • Recovery of reasonable attorney fees and costs for prevailing parties.

  4. Definitions:

    • The bill provides specific definitions for terms such as "age-appropriate material," "children's library section," "open shelving," "sex education materials," and "sexually explicit material."

Affected Parties

  • Children: The bill is designed to protect children aged twelve and under from inappropriate content in libraries.
  • Parents and Guardians: The legislation empowers parents to control their children's access to sensitive materials.
  • Public and School Libraries: Libraries will need to adjust their policies and practices to comply with the new requirements regarding material curation.

Fiscal Impact

According to the Fiscal Impact Statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, the bill is projected to have no fiscal impact on state revenues.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: April 2, 2025
  • Committee Actions:
    • April 3, 2025: Read for the first time, rules suspended, read a second time, and referred to the House Education Committee.
    • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

While House Bill 1977 aimed to address concerns regarding children's access to age-appropriate materials in libraries, it ultimately did not progress beyond the committee stage. The bill reflects ongoing debates about parental rights, educational content, and the responsibilities of public institutions in curating library materials.

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

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