After strong public comment, borough adopts resolution opposing SB238 but removes unsigned library letter

The Matanuska‑Susitna Borough Assembly on May 5 approved a resolution opposing Alaska Senate Bill 238 after extensive public testimony and a procedural amendment removing an attached letter from the borough library advisory board.

Members of the public expressed sharply divided views. Kathy Kaiser, speaking as Alaska chapter leader for Authors Against Bookbans and a member of the Freedom to Read Coalition, urged the assembly to oppose RS26‑043 and said, “This bill does not weaken Alaska’s obscenity laws and it does not remove protections for minors,” describing SB238 as giving librarians professional protections and clearer reconsideration procedures. Other speakers described SB238 as a threat to child safety and urged opposition to the resolution on that basis.

During debate, an assembled letter purporting to come from the library advisory board was discussed; the clerk reported the board had not formally voted to approve the letter and staff advised that inclusion of the unsigned letter could raise open‑meetings concerns. The assembly directed staff to remove the letter from the record and then voted to adopt the resolution opposing SB238.

What’s next: The assembly’s resolution is a formal local expression of opposition; it does not change state law. The library advisory board may submit a separate, properly adopted letter if it chooses.