North Dakota bill could criminalize librarians for explicit materials

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North Dakota lawmakers narrowly passed a bill (49-45) Monday, requiring libraries to restrict minors’ access to sexually explicit materials or face prosecution. The measure gives librarians 10 days to comply with prosecutors’ decisions before facing criminal charges. This follows a 2023 law requiring explicit materials be removed from children’s sections. The current bill applies to public and school libraries but exempts university libraries and museums. Library Association representatives warn it could overwhelm small libraries with complaints. The bill now goes to Governor Kelly Armstrong, joining similar restrictions passed in Iowa, Idaho, South Carolina, Tennessee and Utah.