S2696 establishes policies regulating the removal of library materials in public schools and libraries in Massachusetts, and mandates new procedures to ensure that challenges to obscene materials do not result in automatic removal. This bill requires schools to adopt written policies for reconsidering library materials, and creates a burdensome process for parents to challenge inappropriate materials. Additionally, this bill provides civil-liability protections for school employees and librarians.
The Massachusetts Senate passed S2696 on November 13, 2025 by a vote of 35 to 3. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation imposes state-mandated procedures that undermine parents' authority to determine age-appropriate and morally suitable library materials. Furthermore, it promotes immoral leftist ideology in education under the guise of "free expression." Freedom of expression is not preserved through government-funded libraries that expose children to obscene or ideologically biased resources while shielding bureaucrats from accountability.
United States Constitution
Fifth Amendment
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
United States Constitution
Ninth Amendment
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
United States Constitution
14th Amendment Section 1
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
