2026 Regular Session
SB 964
Creating volunteer board to review and rate library books
In Committee
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a committee, the ‘Safe Library Books for Kids Committee,’ within the West Virginia Department of Tourism to review and rate books in public libraries based on age appropriateness. The committee will assess books for children and teens, and determine where they should be placed in the library. Violations of the committee’s placement guidelines will result in fines.
Key provisions
- Creates the ‘Safe Library Books for Kids Committee’ within the Department of Tourism.
- The committee will develop a rating system for books based on age appropriateness.
- The committee will review all books currently held in West Virginia public libraries.
- Books will be placed in appropriate sections based on their rating.
- Adult books will not be rated.
- Non-rated books will not be placed in children’s or teen sections after rating.
- The committee will be chaired by a member designated by the Governor.
Who is affected
- West Virginia Public Libraries
- Library Patrons (particularly children and teens)
- West Virginia Department of Tourism
- The Governor
Notable changes
- Establishes a new committee to oversee book ratings and placement.
- Creates a system for rating books based on age appropriateness.
- Specifies penalties for placing non-rated books in children’s or teen sections.
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