House Bill 483

HB 483 seeks to criminalize librarians for failing to remove materials that could be considered harmful to minors from their libraries. It amends Georgia law by limiting the previous exemption, which prevented libraries operated by the state, or any school, college, or university, from being charged with the distribution of harmful materials to minors. It also provides a legal defense for librarians who can demonstrate that they made a good-faith effort to identify and remove materials deemed harmful to children.

The ACLU of Georgia opposes HB 483 because it threatens the constitutional right of free speech, creating a chilling effect that undermines the very purpose of libraries as centers of learning and exploration.