Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR1499

Introduced
9/24/24  

Caption

Expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

Impact

The resolution calls for local governments and school districts to adhere to best practice guidelines in addressing challenges to books, ensuring that censorship does not infringe upon students' rights to learn freely. It highlights the detrimental effects encountered by students, educators, librarians, and authors due to the chilling atmosphere created by book bans. The emphasis on supporting freedom of expression underscores the necessity for a strong partnership between educational institutions and communities to combat these limitations on literature access.

Summary

House Resolution 1499 expresses concern regarding the increasing instances of book banning in the United States and its implications for freedom of expression. The resolution identifies a troubling trend in public schools where over 10,000 books have been banned from July 2023 to June 2024. This move is perceived as a significant threat to democratic values, as it limits students' access to diverse narratives and perspectives essential for a well-rounded education. It emphasizes the role of literature in fostering critical thinking and understanding of various cultural and historical contexts.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HR1499 arise from differing opinions on educational content. Proponents of the bill advocate for unrestricted access to literature, arguing that banning books disproportionately silences marginalized voices and ideas. Conversely, critics of book availability suggest that certain materials may not align with community values, initiating vigorous debates regarding parental authority and the appropriateness of specific subjects in educational settings. The balancing act between protecting students from inappropriate content and ensuring their access to a wide range of ideas remains a divisive issue.

Companion Bills

US SR372

Same As A resolution expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

US HR733

Same As Expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

US SR857

Related A resolution expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

Previously Filed As

US HR733

Expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

US SR857

A resolution expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

US SR372

A resolution expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

US HR357

Responding to growing threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world, reaffirming the centrality of a free and independent press to the health of democracy, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance on World Press Freedom Day.

US HR1192

Recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in countering the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.

US HR328

Expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

US SR688

A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.

US HR68

Expressing strong disapproval of the President's announcement to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement.

US SR569

A resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.

US SR52

A resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.

Similar Bills

CA SB1405

Community service districts: Lake Arrowhead Community Service District: covenants, conditions, and restrictions: enforcement.

CA AB3308

School districts: employee housing.

CA SB1405

Community service districts: Lake Arrowhead Community Services District: covenants, conditions, and restrictions.

CA AB1548

Classified school employees: restricted positions.

DC B25-0809

Unlawful Restrictions in Land Records Emergency Act of 2024

NJ A1803

Requires public school students with concussion to be evaluated by licensed health care professionals before return to school; requires school districts to provide restrictions or limitations to student as needed.

DC B25-0669

Uniform Unlawful Restrictions in Land Records Act of 2024

CA AB1719

Housing: Community College Faculty and Employee Housing Act of 2022.