Oklahoma Senate Bill SB397

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Report Pass: 2/21/23
• Engrossed: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/29/23
• Failed: 5/26/23

Caption

Schools; directing certain libraries to conduct certain inventory of materials and media; providing certain designations. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The legislation aims to create a structured approach to material accessibility in educational settings, ensuring that only appropriate content is available to students. Starting in July 2024, libraries will be required to restrict access to certain materials based on age designation, meaning that younger students will only have access to materials deemed suitable for them. Additionally, access to certain more mature content will require written consent from parents or guardians, thus placing additional responsibilities on families and school infrastructure.

Summary

Senate Bill 397 introduces new regulations concerning the materials used in schools and public libraries within Oklahoma. The bill mandates that each school district and charter school appoint a committee by a specified date to conduct an inventory of print and nonprint materials in their libraries. This inventory must be completed by July 1, 2024, and materials will need to be designated based on age-appropriateness. The designations include categories such as 'Elementary', 'Junior high', 'Under 16', and 'Juniors and seniors', which dictate the suitability of content for students at different educational levels.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding SB 397 displayed a mixture of support and concern among lawmakers and the community. Proponents argue that the bill protects young students from inappropriate content and places responsibility on parents for guiding their children's access to reading materials. However, critics worry that the bill might lead to excessive censorship and limit students' exposure to diverse perspectives and educational resources. This divide underscores a broader societal debate about parental control versus academic freedom in educational settings.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the potential implications for censorship and the impact on educational resources. Critics express concerns that the stringent labeling and access restrictions could restrict student learning opportunities and sideline materials that address complex subjects essential for a well-rounded education. The bill also empowers the Oklahoma Department of Libraries to develop uniform procedures, which some fear might lead to inconsistent application of these regulations across different school districts.