Books

Back in Session, California Lawmakers to Decide More Than 1,300 Bills

Some of those bills are related to hot-button issues under increasing national scrutiny as the country approaches national elections in November, including Assembly Bill (AB) 1825. Titled the California Freedom to Read Act, AB 1825 would prevent library review committees from banning material that deals with race or sexuality. This proposed law requires state public libraries to outline their policies for approving or rejecting books. State public libraries will also have to establish a system that allows people to voice their concerns and objections regarding the books and policies.

Published

4 months ago

August 17, 2024

Oakland Post

California State Capitol. Courtesy of the California Assembly.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

After a monthlong summer recess in July, the California Legislature reconvened last week on Aug 5.

On their plates are more than 1,300, bills they must discuss and decide before their Aug. 31 deadline.

Some of those bills are related to hot-button issues under increasing national scrutiny as the country approaches national elections in November, including Assembly Bill (AB) 1825.

Titled the California Freedom to Read Act, AB 1825 would prevent library review committees from banning material that deals with race or sexuality. This proposed law requires state public libraries to outline their policies for approving or rejecting books. State public libraries will also have to establish a system that allows people to voice their concerns and objections regarding the books and policies.

According to the American Library Association, approximately 4,420 books were targeted last year nearly double the number of books since 2022.

“The number of titles targeted for censorship surged 65% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching the highest levels ever documented by the American Library Association (ALA),” the organization said in a statement.

The Jewish Public Affairs Committee is one of the groups set to rally in Sacramento to support AB 1825 to expand disclosure agreements for school districts that use ethnic studies courses in the curriculum. State legislators backing AB 1825 include California State Sen. David Min (D-Irvine) and U.S. Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA-47).

State legislators are also working on two bills that would tax online platforms such as Google and Meta and use the funds generated to support local journalism. They are AB 886 authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) and SB 1327 authored by Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda).

Other bills in the works include legislation that would ban legacy admissions at private universities such as Stanford. Authors of that bill, AB 1780, include California Legislative Black Caucus members Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) and Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento).

The Legislature has until Aug. 31 to vote on bills and pass them on to Gov. Gavin Newsom for approval.

Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto proposed bills that reach on his desk.