Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
Legislation allowing all county residents to challenge books with which they take issue at their local libraries was taken off notice in the Tennessee House on Wednesday.
Sponsored by Representative Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville-District 45), House Bill 2449 (HB2449) seeks to broaden who can ask for a book to either be moved within the library, reclassified, or removed entirely, to any resident who lives within the county.
Currently, challenging a book at a public library depends on local policy with some library systems limiting review requests to parents or guardians who live within the library’s district.
The Senate companion bill (SB2319) has failed to make much progress since its introduction on February 2nd of this year.
On the same day the bill was filed for introduction, it was referred to the Senate Delayed Bills Committee where it has remained since.
As many committees in the legislature are starting to hear the items on their final calendars, it is unlikely the legislation will be revived for this session of the Tennessee General Assembly.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
