Education (Libraries)

SB 1435 prohibits Arizona public schools and libraries from providing unemancipated minors access to sexually explicit materials. Schools must obtain written parental consent for materials with serious educational, literary, artistic, political, or scientific value and offer alternative assignments when consent is not given. Libraries must prevent minors from accessing such materials, with staff violating this facing potential Class 5 felony charges. The bill defines "sexually explicit materials" to include depictions of sexual conduct, arousal, or specific acts like intercourse or oral sex.

Arizona's SB 1599 prohibits school districts from approving textbooks or instructional materials that contain content reflecting "adversely on persons" based on race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The bill requires school districts to publicly review textbooks for 60 days via website and physical copies, notify parents about review periods, and hold open committee meetings for textbook selection. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and teachers who select classroom materials in Arizona public schools. Key provisions include mandatory public access to textbook lists and new restrictions on content deemed harmful to protected groups, while exempting schools without full-time library staff.

HB 2008, the "Library Freedom Act," prohibits Arizona public schools from using taxpayer funds to pay dues or membership fees to professional associations that advocate for libraries and librarians. This directly affects public school libraries and their governing bodies, preventing them from financially supporting such associations with public money. The bill includes an exception allowing county free libraries, municipal libraries, or other contracted entities to still join these associations using their own funds. The law clarifies that "school library" encompasses the school's library, all sites it serves, and the school governing body.