North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong vetoes controversial library bill
Governor Kelly Armstrong has vetoed a bill that would have required public and school libraries to move certain books out of reach of minors. Senate Bill 2307 aimed to expand an existing 2023 law by applying similar restrictions to school libraries and adding enforcement steps. Armstrong called the bill redundant, expensive, and difficult to implement, warning it could expose librarians and prosecutors to unnecessary legal burdens. He also raised concerns about non-residents influencing what books are challenged in North Dakota. The Legislature can still attempt an override. Peyton Haug with InForum has the full story.
SB 2307
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new subsection to section 12.1-27.1-01 and two new sections to chapter 12.1-27.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of a public library, required safety policies and technology protection measures, and the attorney general’s review of public libraries, school districts, and state agencies for compliance with statutes protecting minors from explicit sexual material; to amend and reenact subsection 5 of section 12.1-27.1-01 and sections 12.1-27.1-03.1, 12.1-27.1-03.5, and 12.1-27.1-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to obscenity control; to provide for a report to the legislative management; and to provide a penalty.
House Sponsors: Steiner (R, District 37), Tveit (R, District 33),
Senate Sponsors: Boehm (R, District 33), Erbele (R, District 28), Hogue (R, District 38), Weston (R, District 15),
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