Senate amends library bill to require school material-selection and reconsideration procedures
March 26, 2024 | SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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Senators debated S.220 on March 29, a package of changes aimed at modernizing Vermont statute for public libraries, clarifying trustees’ responsibilities, strengthening confidentiality protections for young patrons, and expanding the Department of Libraries’ role in training and model policies.
The senator from Bennington, who reported the bill, said S.220 “will bolster Vermont’s access to information, protect the freedom to read and research in our state, and improve clarity about the governance of public libraries.” The bill directs the Department of Libraries to develop model policies, require collection development policies consistent with the First Amendment and applicable federal and state law, and to expand training and best-practice guidance for library staff statewide.
A contentious provision discussed on the floor would amend patron-record confidentiality to limit disclosure of a minor’s records except to custodial guardians for patrons under age 12. The reporter said that provision is intended to let young people explore materials privately.
Floor amendment and school library focus: an amendment led by co-sponsors (identified in the calendar as senators Hardy and others) narrows part of the bill to address school libraries specifically. That amendment would require school boards and approved independent schools to adopt and publish material-selection policies and reconsideration procedures and prohibits removal of materials for reasons including partisan views, an author’s race or gender identity, political or religious views, or discomfort of a board member or member of the public. The amendment also clarifies that school librarians and library staff are responsible for collection development.
Why it matters: supporters framed the bill as protecting intellectual freedom and modernizing outdated statutory language (some standards date to the 1980s). Supporters also noted the bill stems from a multi-year working group and a comprehensive review of libraries’ needs statewide.
Action: the Senate accepted the amendment and ordered S.220 for third reading by voice vote. The transcript records committee votes (education committee 320; appropriations reported no material impact) and multiple floor explanations and exchanges about scrivener’s errors and statutory language.
Quote: “S.220 will bolster Vermont’s access to information, protect the freedom to read and research in our state, and improve clarity about the governance of public libraries,” the senator from Bennington said on the floor.
Next steps: S.220 is ordered for third reading; additional amendments or clarifications may be offered before final passage.
The senator from Bennington, who reported the bill, said S.220 “will bolster Vermont’s access to information, protect the freedom to read and research in our state, and improve clarity about the governance of public libraries.” The bill directs the Department of Libraries to develop model policies, require collection development policies consistent with the First Amendment and applicable federal and state law, and to expand training and best-practice guidance for library staff statewide.
A contentious provision discussed on the floor would amend patron-record confidentiality to limit disclosure of a minor’s records except to custodial guardians for patrons under age 12. The reporter said that provision is intended to let young people explore materials privately.
Floor amendment and school library focus: an amendment led by co-sponsors (identified in the calendar as senators Hardy and others) narrows part of the bill to address school libraries specifically. That amendment would require school boards and approved independent schools to adopt and publish material-selection policies and reconsideration procedures and prohibits removal of materials for reasons including partisan views, an author’s race or gender identity, political or religious views, or discomfort of a board member or member of the public. The amendment also clarifies that school librarians and library staff are responsible for collection development.
Why it matters: supporters framed the bill as protecting intellectual freedom and modernizing outdated statutory language (some standards date to the 1980s). Supporters also noted the bill stems from a multi-year working group and a comprehensive review of libraries’ needs statewide.
Action: the Senate accepted the amendment and ordered S.220 for third reading by voice vote. The transcript records committee votes (education committee 320; appropriations reported no material impact) and multiple floor explanations and exchanges about scrivener’s errors and statutory language.
Quote: “S.220 will bolster Vermont’s access to information, protect the freedom to read and research in our state, and improve clarity about the governance of public libraries,” the senator from Bennington said on the floor.
Next steps: S.220 is ordered for third reading; additional amendments or clarifications may be offered before final passage.
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