HA8TOHB119 • 2025

In keeping with Delaware bill-drafting standards, in subsections (2) and (3), this amendment seeks to replace the term "should" with the term "may".

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Dukes
Last action: 2025-05-22
Official status: Passed 5/22/25
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify an effective date for this amendment.

Amendment Changing Library Rules on Removing Books

This amendment changes a law to say public libraries may not remove books based on the creator's background or political views, while keeping rules for illegal materials.

What This Bill Does

Changes language in sections about removing library items so that libraries 'may not' exclude material instead of using weaker terms.
Stops public libraries from taking out material because of who made it or their personal history.
Stops public libraries from taking out material due to partisan, ideological, or religious disagreement.
Clarifies that this law does not cancel state laws against illegal materials under Title 11.

Who It Names or Affects

Public libraries in Delaware

Terms To Know

Title 11, Chapter 5, Subchapter 7, Subpart C: The specific part of Delaware state law that deals with illegal materials.
Catalog: The list or collection of books and items held by a library.

Limits and Unknowns

This text is an amendment to House Bill No. 119, so it only changes parts of that larger bill.
The effective date for when these rules start is not listed in the provided source material.

Bill History

2025-05-22 Delaware General Assembly
Passed In House by Voice Vote

Official Summary Text

In keeping with Delaware bill-drafting standards, in subsections (2) and (3), this amendment seeks to replace the term "should" with the term "may". It also clarifies that nothing in this section is intended to override or negate any provision of state law relating to material that is in violation of Title 11, Chapter 5, Subchapter 7, Subpart C.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Dukes

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 8

TO

HOUSE BILL NO. 119

AMEND House Bill No. 119 by deleting lines 27 through 30 in their entirety and inserting in lieu thereof:

“

(2) A public library may not exclude or remove material from its catalog because of the origin, background, or views of a person who created the material.

(3) A public library may not exclude or remove material from its catalog because of partisan, ideological, or religious disapproval.

”.

FURTHER AMEND House Bill No. 119 by inserting after line 30 the following:

“

(4) Nothing in this section is intended to override or negate any provision of state law relating to material that is in violation of Title 11, Chapter 5, Subchapter 7, Subpart C.

”.

FURTHER AMEND House Bill No. 119 by inserting after line 95 the following:

“

(4) Nothing in this section is intended to override or negate any provision of state law relating to material that is in violation of Title 11, Chapter 5, Subchapter 7, Subpart C.

”.

SYNOPSIS

In keeping with Delaware bill-drafting standards, in subsections (2) and (3), this amendment seeks to replace the term "should" with the term "may". It also clarifies that nothing in this section is intended to override or negate any provision of state law relating to material that is in violation of Title 11, Chapter 5, Subchapter 7, Subpart C.