2023 Louisiana Legislation Watch
On this page we'll post updates and analysis of any bills impacting libraries with regards to the censorship or restriction of books and materials currently working their way through the Louisiana state legislature.
Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming RALLY!
Track the Bills with our Bill Tracker!
Werk the Lege: ACLU of Louisiana's Activism Guide (.pdf link HERE)
Important Note:
Legislators log & count the emails they receive, so be sure to email about
EACH bill!
Senate Bill 7 & House Bill 102
Senate Bill 7, prefiled by State Senator Heather Cloud (R-Turkey Creek), & House Bill 102 (its companion, filed by Rep. Julie Emerson R-Carencro & Rep. Valarie Hodges R- Denham Springs) attempt to impose state control over local library collection development and reconsideration policies, as well as requiring all public libraries in the state to offer tiered library cards to its patrons. The penalties for non-compliance can include the withholding of public funds from any library not following these new rules, as well as prohibiting the state bond commission from even considering the application to borrow money or levy a tax that benefits the library of any parish or municipality not in compliance with the proposed law.
Find Analysis and Talking Points HERE.
House Bill 25 (HB25)
House Bill 25, sponsored by Rep. Paul Hollis (R-Covington) and Rep. Beryl Amedee (R- Houma), proposes significant changes to the current state laws regarding the establishment and governance of local library boards of control.
House Bill 360 (HB360)
House Bill 360, sponsored by Rep. Valarie Hodges (R-Denham Springs), proposes an exception to state law with regards to the establishment of the library board of control. It would abolish the current Livingston Parish Library Board of Control, and reestablish the board with nine members instead of the current five.
House Bill 628 (HB628)
House Bill 628, sponsored by Rep. Valarie Hodges (R-Denham Springs), proposes an exception to state law with regards to the establishment of the library board of control in Livingston Parish. Though nearly identical to HB 360, it removes the provision terminating all current board members as well as the requirement that terms be staggered in two, three, four, and five year initial terms.