Protect Texans Right to Read!

HB 3225 would impose costly and burdensome access restrictions, age verification measures, collection review procedures and enforcement mechanisms on public libraries in Texas. The stated purpose of the bill is to protect minors (anyone under age 18) from "sexually explicit materials" in public libraries. The definition of sexually explicit material is very vague, subject to interpretation, and could result in the restriction or removal of minor’s access to age-appropriate classic literature, health resources etc. It is unclear how an age verification process would work in practice. Require patrons to show an ID at checkout? Require minors without an ID to be accompanied by a parent or guardian? Implementing any type of ID checking process would require significant staff and financial resources. The costs of age verification technology and the staff time required to operate and implement those systems will be significant. The required annual review of the library collection is also problematic. Collections in the children’s and teens sections include thousands of books and resources. For example, one branch library in a suburban area has approximately 60,000 items in its youth collection. The system has five branches so that is 300,000 items that would have to be reviewed every year. This bill places unnecessary and significant barriers to access, impedes parental rights, and mandates excessive financial costs on public libraries.