Montgomery, AL – Clean Up Alabama is urging citizens to advocate for House Bill 4 (HB 4), also known as the Library Obscenity Bill, which was introduced by Representative Arnold Mooney and co-sponsored by 49 other representatives. Despite the significant number of co-sponsors, the bill has not yet been scheduled for a committee hearing.
HB 4 seeks to amend existing obscenity laws by modifying the definition of “sexual conduct” and removing certain exemptions that currently apply to public libraries and public school libraries. Under current Alabama law, obscenity laws do not apply to public libraries, public school libraries, college libraries, or university libraries, as well as their employees or agents. If passed, HB 4 would:
- Maintain the exemption for college and university libraries while removing it for public libraries and public school libraries.
- Hold public libraries and public school libraries accountable under existing criminal obscenity laws in specific circumstances.
- Make technical revisions to update existing statutory language.
Supporters of HB 4 are encouraged to contact Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Jim Hill and Vice Chair Rep. Tim Wadsworth to request that the bill be scheduled for a hearing. Advocates argue that swift passage of the bill is necessary to ensure that children in Alabama libraries are not exposed to obscene materials.
While HB 4 has garnered strong support from legislators, it has yet to be brought before the Judiciary Committee for review. Clean Up Alabama and other proponents of the bill are urging citizens to reach out to their representatives and express their support for the measure.
Critics of similar legislative efforts in other states have raised concerns about potential impacts on intellectual freedom, censorship, and how “obscene materials” would be defined and enforced in public library settings. However, supporters maintain that the bill is a necessary step to align public libraries with existing state obscenity laws and provide additional protections for minors.
As HB 4 awaits further legislative action, the discussion surrounding the bill continues to generate debate among lawmakers, library organizations, and advocacy groups.
*The full bill can be reviewed here.
