PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — A bill requiring school districts and public libraries to publish policies on objecting to obscene materials that minors could access unanimously passes a Senate committee this morning (Monday).
HB1197, sponsored by Republican Rep. Mike Stevens from Yankton, said the bill allows for local control but also should give citizens a more straightforward path to object to offensive works.
The bill also expands the coverage from not just online sources but books as well.
Several parents testified for the bill. The bill also had the support of the Department of Education, the South Dakota Education Association, and the South Dakota School Administrators.
One citizen spoke against the measure. They were concerned about the bill’s effect on public library collections. He said it was up to parents to monitor what their children read.
The bill passed 14 to 0 and now goes to the House for further consideration.
