North Dakota lawmakers are considering new regulations related to library materials and grant distribution. Senate Bill 2307 proposes the removal or restriction of “explicit sexual material” in public or school libraries, with penalties for non-compliance. Two years ago, House Bill 1205 mandated libraries to develop policies to address these concerns. State Librarian Mary Soucie has reported that some libraries have already taken action to comply with these regulations. Additionally, House Bill 1420 clarifies that the State Library Coordinating Council is responsible for distributing grants and addresses past issues with grant distribution. Senate Bill 2219 aims to improve the State Library’s relationship with local libraries by facilitating the sharing of surplus materials. This bill also introduces consequences for libraries that fail to submit required annual reports. The North Dakota Newspaper Association is supporting coverage of these legislative discussions with the help of interns and mentors. These proposed regulations and measures aim to ensure the appropriate distribution of library materials and grants throughout the state.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
