Crime of distribution of obscene materials; delete exemption for public and private school libraries.
Impact
If enacted, SB2194 would significantly alter the legal landscape regarding the distribution of obscene materials within the state. By removing the exemption for school libraries, the bill would impose new obligations on educational institutions to closely monitor the materials they distribute or house, thereby heightening their liability. This change may necessitate policy revisions within libraries and schools to ensure compliance with the law, potentially limiting the types of materials available within these institutions and affecting curriculum choices.
Summary
Senate Bill 2194 seeks to amend Section 97-29-107 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 by removing the existing exemption for public and private school libraries from the crime of distributing obscene materials. This bill aims to hold these institutions accountable under the same legal standards that apply to other entities, thereby eliminating any legal protection they previously had against prosecution for distributing materials deemed obscene. The act is positioned as a measure to address concerns over inappropriate content being accessible in educational settings.
Contention
The bill may face opposition from various stakeholders who argue that it threatens the educational scope of libraries and could lead to censorship. Critics may express concerns that the removal of the exemption undermines the fundamental role that libraries and educational institutions play in promoting free access to information and may lead to an excessively punitive framework for educators and librarians. The tension between protecting children from harmful materials and upholding the principles of academic freedom and resource accessibility is expected to be a significant point of contention in discussions surrounding SB2194.