With the introduction of various bills across the U.S. that seek to place restrictions on books deemed "obscene," officials with the American Library Association are concerned about the future.
In a statement issued Feb. 18, 2024, the governing board of the West Virginia Association of Museums said it opposes House Bill 4654 in its current form because it lacks clear language and endangers museum professionals and volunteers. The proposed law would make museums, libraries and schools subject to criminal prosecution if they distribute obscene material to a minor.
In a statement issued Feb. 18, 2024, the governing board of the West Virginia Association of Museums said it opposes House Bill 4654 in its current form because it lacks clear language and endangers museum professionals and volunteers. The proposed law would make museums, libraries and schools subject to criminal prosecution if they distribute obscene material to a minor.
The West Virginia House of Delegates, on Feb. 16, 2024, approved a bill that would make schools, museums, and public libraries, subject to prosecution for the distribution and display of obscene matter to minors. House Bill 4654 was approved 85-12, with three delegates absent or not voting, and now heads to the Senate. The proposed law has raised concerns about its enforcement, who would be responsible for the criminal liability, the types of materials that would be considered illegal, and its potential impact on libraries and their staff.
The West Virginia House of Delegates, on Feb. 16, 2024, approved a bill that would make schools, museums, and public libraries, subject to prosecution for the distribution and display of obscene matter to minors. House Bill 4654 was approved 85-12, with three delegates absent or not voting, and now heads to the Senate. The proposed law has raised concerns about its enforcement, who would be responsible for the criminal liability, the types of materials that would be considered illegal, and its potential impact on libraries and their staff.