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83rd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2025 Regular Session
Senate Bill 212
Sponsored by Senator SMITH DB (Presession filed.)
SUMMARY
The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject
to consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor’s brief statement of the essential features of the
measure as introduced.The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability
standards.
Digest: The Act would set up a ratings system for library materials based on the age of young
library patrons and restrict access as guided by the ratings. The Act would require the State Li-
brarian to keep a public list of the ratings. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.6).
Establishes a ratings system for library materials available to young individuals based on ap-
propriateness for different age groups. Requires public and school libraries to make library materials
available only in accordance with the ratings. Directs the State Librarian to develop and maintain
a public central list of the ratings.
A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to the rating of library materials.
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:
SECTION 1. As used in sections 1 to 4 of this 2025 Act:
(1) “Available” includes being accessible for use or other enjoyment on or off the prem-
ises of a subject library.
(2) “Library materials” means resources published in any medium and accessible on any
platform, whether print or nonprint, visual or auditory, physical or electronic.
(3) “Public library” means a library that is subject to the provisions of ORS 357.400 to
357.621.
(4) “Subject library” means public libraries, school libraries and any other library that
receives financial assistance from the state and makes library materials available to people
17 years of age and younger.
(5) “Unaccompanied” means not accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
SECTION 2. (1) The following rating system for library materials is established for sub-
ject libraries:
(a) G: General audiences - appropriate for all ages.
(b) PG: Parental guidance suggested - some library materials may not be suitable for
children.
(c) PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned - some library materials may be inappropriate for
children under 13.
(d) R: Restricted - under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
(e) NC-17: Adults only - no one 17 or under.
(2)(a) Library materials shall be available to unaccompanied individuals as follows:
(A) For individuals who are 10 years of age or younger, only library materials rated G.
(B) For individuals who are 11 or 12 years of age, only library materials rated G or PG.
(C) For individuals who are 13 through 16 years of age, only library materials rated G,
PG or PG-13.
NOTE:Matter in boldfaced type in an amended section is new; matter [italic and bracketed] is existing law to be omitted.
New sections are in boldfaced type.
LC 1387 SB212
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(D) For individuals who are 17 years of age, only library materials rated G, PG, PG-13
orR.
(E) For individuals who are 18 years of age or older, library materials with any rating.
(b) Library materials rated PG, PG-13 or R shall be available to individuals under 17 years
of age who are accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
(3) Separate rooms and sections in subject libraries for specified age groups may not
contain or display library materials that may not be made available to that age group under
subsection (2) of this section.
(4) Nothing in sections 1 to 4 of this 2025 Act may be construed as constituting a ban on
any library materials in, or being considered for, the collection of a subject library.
SECTION 3. (1) The State Librarian shall develop and maintain a central list of the
ratings of all library materials that is accessible to all subject libraries and the public.
(2)(a) The State Librarian shall solicit ratings of library materials from all subject li-
braries.
(b) If the State Librarian receives conflicting ratings for any library materials, the most
restrictive rating shall apply.
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b) of this subsection, the State Librarian may organize
a board to resolve ratings conflicts.The board shall have members selected by and serving
at the pleasure of the State Librarian.
(d) The resolution shall apply in all subject libraries.
(3) The State Librarian may consult with the Oregon Library Association with respect
to any duty or authority established under this section.
SECTION 4. (1) Library materials made available in accordance with section 2 (2)(a)(A)
of this 2025 Act shall be rated not later than the date that is one year following the effective
date of this 2025 Act.
(2) All library materials shall be rated not later than the date that is five years following
the effective date of this 2025 Act.
(3) After subsection (2) of this section has been complied with, new library materials shall
be rated, and the ratings made accessible to all subject libraries, before the new library
materials may be made available to subject library patrons.
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