Librarians and teachers exposed to criminal charges for providing 'harmful' materials to minors
Enacted5/10
⚖ Enforceable — 8th Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the injunction that had blocked the law (Jul 2026), after a federal judge had preliminarily (Jul 2023) then permanently (Dec 23, 2024) enjoined key sections; challengers are considering further appeal.
Arkansas · Arkansas SB 81 (Act 372) · Mar 30, 2023
Impact 5/10
Removes the professional exemption that had shielded school librarians and teachers from criminal prosecution for providing materials to minors deemed 'harmful.' Critics say the law chills book selection across public schools and libraries.
EducationVoting & electionsSafety net & benefitsChildrenParents / caregiversStudentsLGBTQ+
Sources
- Source ↗
- Arkansas Act 372 (official enrolled act, approved 3/30/23) ↗
- Arkansas Advocate: Appeals court allows Arkansas to enforce law restricting library materials (Jul 2026) ↗
- Wikipedia: Arkansas Act 372 ↗
✓ Verified against primary sources 2026-08-16