South Dakota Senate Amends Librarian Bill

The South Dakota Senate has amended House Bill 1239, which initially sought to remove legal protections for librarians accused of distributing obscene material to minors, to instead require public schools and libraries to establish appeal processes for such determinations. The amended bill, which passed the Senate with a 32-2 vote, allows for judicial review of appeals made against decisions by school and library boards regarding what constitutes obscene material. Supporters, including Senator Lauren Nelson, argued the bill aimed to enforce existing laws, while opponents expressed concerns about its potential to criminalize librarians and the lack of a real issue in South Dakota. Democratic Senator Jamie Smith highlighted that current systems adequately address concerns without the need for harsher legal measures. The bill will now return to the House for consideration of the amendments, and Governor Larry Rhoden will ultimately decide its fate if passed.