Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB657

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/9/23
• Refer: 11/9/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Prohibiting certain restrictions by state agencies and local governmental units on access to books and other media and prohibiting public funding for a library, school, or institution of higher learning that has certain restrictions on access to books and other media.

Impact

The impact of AB657 on state laws could be significant, as it explicitly enforces the idea that access to literature should not be restricted by governmental units based on subjective criteria. This bill would serve to protect educational institutions from losing public funding should they engage in practices deemed discriminatory in their selection of materials. Furthermore, it reinforces the commitment of the state to uphold the rights of individuals to access a diverse array of viewpoints through literature and media.

Summary

Assembly Bill 657 aims to prohibit certain restrictions by state agencies and local governmental units on access to books and media. If enacted, the bill would make it clear that any library, public or private school, or institution of higher education is ineligible for state or local funding if it bans or restricts access to books based on partisan views or the backgrounds of their contributors. This legislation reflects a growing concern over censorship in educational settings and seeks to defend the principle of free access to information.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding AB657 include debates over what constitutes 'reasonable restriction' and concerns from some lawmakers and stakeholders about the implications of enforcing such a heightened standard for educational institutions. Critics might argue that while the bill aims to protect against censorship, it could inadvertently complicate the governance of libraries and schools. Additionally, there are fears that the legislation does not sufficiently address the complexities around age restrictions and appropriateness of certain materials.