Two bills presented during the 2023 ND Legislative session related to the operation and materials in public libraries.

HB1205 is an act to create and enact a new section to chapter 12.1-27.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to prohibiting public libraries from maintaining explicit sexual material. The updated version of HB1205 passed and will be put into law.

SB2360 is an act to create and enact a new subsection to section 12.1-27.1-01 and a new section to chapter 12.1-27.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of a public library and required safety policies and technology protection measures; to amend and reenact subsection 5 of section 12.1-27.1-01, sections 12.1-27.1-03.1, and 12.1-27.1-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to obscenity control; to provide a penalty; and to provide for application. SB2360 was overridden by the Senate, but the House sustained Governor Burgum’s veto vote. SB2360 did not pass and will not be put into law!