Tennessee Senate Passes Bill That Clarifies Suitability Of School Library Materials

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative [By Rebecca Scott] –

The Tennessee Senate has passed an amended bill intended to bring more clarity to the suitability of library materials found in Tennessee’s public and charter schools.

Senate Bill 1060 (SB1060) was substituted with its companion bill, House Bill 0843 (HB0843), and passed in the Senate with 22 Ayes and 4 Nays.

The 4 votes against the bill were cast by Democrats Akbari, Campbell, Oliver, and Yarbro.

SB1060 is sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28) with the companion bill in the House sponsored by Representative Susan Lynn (R-Mount Juliet-District-57).

The amendment that makes the bill states:

“Materials in a library collection must be suitable for the age and maturity levels of the students who may access the materials and must be suitable for, and consistent with, the educational mission of the school.”

It goes on to specify that any material that “contains nudity, or descriptions or depictions of sexual excitement, sexual conduct, excess violence, or sadomasochistic abuse” as well as material that is deemed “patently offensive” is not considered appropriate for any age or grade level and, therefore, “must not be maintained in a school’s library collection.”

Furthermore, a current list of all library materials in any Tennessee public or charter school is required to be posted on each school’s website.

Complaints brought to local education associations regarding library materials must be evaluated within 60 days of the complaint being lodged.

In discussion prior to voting, Senator Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville-District 21), asked, “I’m curious, at what age group would the Holy Bible be allowed in public schools?”

Senator Hensley replied, “This bill is not really changing the material in the law. I don’t think the Bible would be considered offensive to any age.”

The House version of the bill (HB0843) passed in the 2023 session of the General Assembly.

Rebecca Scott is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. 

You can reach Rebecca at Rebecca@tennesseeconservativenews.com