HB 1051

This bill enacts the "Freedom to Read Act, "" which:  R equires materials in a library collection or classroom library to be suitable for the age and maturity levels of the students who may access the materials and provided for the interest, information, and instructional support of students and employees of the school.  P rohibits a material from being excluded or removed from a library collection or classroom library because of (i) the origin, background, or views of the individual who created the material; or (ii) partisan, ideological, or religious disapproval of the material.  R equires each local board of education and public charter school governing body to adopt a policy for developing and reviewing the library collection of the LEA or public charter school. The policy must include a uniform procedure for the LEA or public charter school to receive and review feedback from a student, a student's parent or guardian, or a school employee regarding one or more of the materials in the library collection of the student's or employee's school. If an LEA or public charter school receives feedback for a ma terial, then this bill requires the LEA or public charter school to review the material in a timely manner to determine if the material is suitable for the age and maturity level of the students who may access the material. A material under such review mu st remain available in the school's library collection until the LEA's or public charter school's review is complete and the LEA or public charter school determines the material is not suitable for the age and maturity level of the students who may access the material. This bill removes the state textbook and instructional materials quality commission's authority to (i) i ssue guidance for LEAs and public charter schools to use when reviewing materials in a library collection; (ii) a ssist LEAs and public c harter schools in e valuating the appropriateness of materials in a library collection and r esponding to feedback, complaints, or appeals challenging the appropriateness of materials contained in the library collection; (iii) e stablish a timeline and proces s for a student, a student's parent or guardian, or a school employee to appeal a determination made by the student's or employee's local board of education or public charter school governing body ; and (iv) e valuate and determine whether a material in a sc hool's library collection is appropriate for the age and maturity level of the students who may access the materials, and whether the material is suitable for, and consistent with, the educational mission of the school if the local board of education or p u blic charter school governing body does not make a determination."