A provision in the state budget bill (HB 96, ORC Section 3375.47) will require libraries to "place material related to sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in a portion of the public library that is not primarily open to the view of persons under the age of eighteen." The Ohio House and Senate voted to approve the report of the Conference Committee for the State Budget. The Fiscal Year 26-27 state operating budget bill (HB 96) has now been sent to Governor DeWine for signature by Monday, June 30.
Love your library? Here’s how you can help.
Respectfully ask Governor DeWine today to veto the provision restricting library materials in HB 96. Tell him:
· The bill limits your freedom to choose what’s right for your family.
· The bill language is overly broad, vague and unworkable.
· Public libraries already have policies in place to address this issue.
· Compliance would take away staff time and funding from valuable library services.
“This provision has no financial impact on the state’s balance sheet, but it would force local libraries to spend millions of dollars and years of staff time complying with an unfunded, unconstitutional mandate,” said Michelle Francis, Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council. “This is a dangerous overreach that undermines intellectual freedom and punishes the very institutions that provide safe and open spaces for Ohioans of all ages.” (Read the full press release here.)
Contact Governor DeWine before June 30:
· Main Line: (614) 466-3555
· Governor’s Hotline: (614) 644-4357