H 4059 South Carolina House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Freedom to Read Protections and Respect for School Librarian Autonomy

Summary
A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "FREEDOM TO READ PROTECTIONS AND RESPECT FOR SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST AUTONOMY ACT"; BY ADDING SECTION 59-31-55 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO AFFIRM CERTAIN RIGHTS CONCERNING STUDENT ACCESS TO DIVERSE AND DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE READING MATERIAL, TO PROVIDE THE RIGHT FOR SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALISTS TO AUTONOMOUSLY MAKE CERTAIN DECISIONS ABOUT CURATING AND MAINTAINING MATERIALS IN THEIR SCHOOL LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER COLLECTIONS, TO PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR FORMAL CHALLENGES TO SUCH MATERIALS, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED RIGHTS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALISTS AND OTHER PUBLIC SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS WHEN PERFORMING RELATED PROFESSIONAL DUTIES IN GOOD FAITH.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 19, 2025 Last action Feb 19, 2025