The Idaho House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed new legislation policing library materials on Wednesday.
House Bill 710 requires public and school libraries to restrict access to materials deemed harmful to minors and makes them liable to a civil penalty of up to $250. Materials must be removed from public circulation within 30 days of a library receiving a written complaint about them. Idaho code defines “harmful to minors” as “patently offensive” depictions of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement and sado-masochistic abuse.
Wednesday’s vote, despite the overwhelming 47-23 floor vote, included high emotions — as did Monday’s House State Affairs Committee hearing on the bill.
“Here we go again,” said Rep. Lori McCann (R-Lewiston) on the House floor Wednesday.
House Bill 710 is the third library bill brought before lawmakers this year and looks very similar to a bill vetoed by Gov. Brad Little in 2023.
On Feb. 23, the Senate rejected legislation seen widely as a moderate compromise bill, opening the door to more strident restrictions like those in House Bill 710.
The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Jaron Crane (R-Nampa), House Speaker Mike Moyle (R-Star), and Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder (R-Boise). Crane was also a sponsor on the two previous library bills this year.
House Bill 710 now moves to the Senate for consideration.