Hawaii Senate Bill SB806

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/27/23

Caption

Relating To Libraries.

Impact

This legislation directly impacts the governance of library materials by empowering the state librarian to exercise discretion in the review process. By establishing criteria that must be met for a review to be undertaken, the bill seeks to enhance efficiency within the library system. It is anticipated that this will reduce the administrative burden on library staff and allow for more effective allocation of resources towards addressing unique or novel concerns regarding library materials.

Summary

Senate Bill 806 aims to amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes regarding the review of library materials within the Hawaii State Public Library System. Specifically, the bill provides the state librarian with the authority to refuse requests for review of items that have been previously assessed in good faith. The rationale is to streamline the review process by eliminating repetitive requests that do not introduce new arguments or change the outcome of prior reviews within a one-year timeframe.

Contention

While proponents of SB 806 may argue that the bill allows for better management of resources and aids in maintaining an organized library system, there could be concerns from advocacy groups or community members about censorship and the potential impact on public access to diverse materials. Critics may contend that granting such discretion to the state librarian could lead to the dismissal of legitimate public inquiries regarding the suitability of library materials, thus restricting community engagement in library governance.

Notable_points

The legislation outlines specific conditions under which review requests can be declined, including if the request is deemed substantially similar to a previous one. This could be seen as controversial as it allows for subjective decision-making by the state librarian, which raises questions about transparency and accountability in how materials are reviewed and what may be considered a 'substantial similarity.'