Prohibit the use of state resources for the provision of lewd or lascivious content.
Impact
This bill intends to reshape regulations around public funding and resources used within state-owned institutions, particularly concerning artistic and educational endeavors. By amending existing laws, it aims to ensure that state resources are not allocated to what is deemed inappropriate content, thereby aligning state-funded entities with a set of moral standards as defined by the legislature. The expectation is that the bill will foster a more morally aligned use of state funds, which supporters argue will protect community values.
Summary
House Bill 1113 is a piece of legislation introduced in the South Dakota Legislature aimed at prohibiting the use of state resources for the provision of lewd or lascivious content. The proposed bill specifically prohibits the Board of Regents and associated institutions from expending public funds or utilizing state-owned properties to develop, facilitate, host, or promote such content. The bill defines 'lewd or lascivious' content in detail, highlighting activities that appeal to prurient interests, including specific sexual activities and the depiction of nudity.
Contention
However, HB 1113 has sparked significant debate regarding its implications for free speech and artistic expression. Critics argue that the bill may infringe upon the rights of individuals to express themselves freely, particularly in academic and artistic contexts. They express concern that the broad definitions provided in the bill could lead to censorship on college campuses and state institutions, undermining the principle of intellectual diversity, which encourages a range of perspectives and discussions.
Summary_conclusio
The bill raises essential questions about the balance between protecting societal morals and ensuring freedom of expression. As it moves through the legislative process, the discussions surrounding HB 1113 underscore a broader national dialogue on similar content regulations and the role of state government in determining moral standards within publicly funded spaces.