Alabama House Advances Bill To Prosecute Librarians

The Birmingham News reports:

The Alabama House voted April 25 to make school and public library staff criminally liable for distributing “sexual or gender oriented material” to minors without parental consent. HB385 places libraries in the same category as “adult-only” stores, movies and entertainment.

It would force school and public librarians to remove a book that someone finds obscene or harmful to minors within seven days of written notice to the library director or principal. If they don’t they could face a misdemeanor. A copy of the notice will go to the district attorney.

The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Shelby County. It’s unclear who will determine if the book is obscene.

Read the full article. Mooney last appeared here in May 2023 for his bill that would have criminalized drag shows in public venues.

Via @alanderrocha: The Alabama House Thursday passed a bill that could lead to the arrest of librarians if a person accuses them of distributing obscene or harmful materials to minors or exposes them to people dressed in revealing clothing. https://t.co/xEkaOBxmwV #alpolitics

— Alabama Reflector (@ALReflector) April 25, 2024