Massachusetts Enacts 'Freedom to Read' Law, Protecting Libraries from Book Bans
Massachusetts has become the 13th state to pass a 'Freedom to Read' law, with Governor Healey signing S.3241, 'An Act Regarding Free Expression,' last week. This legislation aims to protect both school and public libraries from the removal of materials based on partisan, personal, or doctrinal views. The new law also mandates that schools annually submit a list of challenged titles to the state. This move follows years of advocacy by literary groups, such as Mass Freedom to Read, and legislative consideration. Other states that have enacted similar laws protecting both school and public libraries include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Oregon and Washington have laws specific to public school libraries, while Vermont's law applies to public libraries. New York's governor chose not to sign a similar bill passed by its legislature, and Alaska, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania attempted to pass such laws in the 2025-2026 legislative session but ran o... 
