SANTA FE — A bill introduced by state Sen. Ant Thornton would create a voluntary, three-year pilot program allowing participating school districts and charter schools to apply age-appropriateness ratings to library materials based on language, violence, sexual content, and mature themes.
The proposal, Senate Bill 49, would establish a rating system similar to those used for movies. Participation would be optional, and the bill does not require schools to remove books from library shelves. Instructional materials used in classrooms would not be affected.
Supporters say the program is intended to give parents more insight into the content available to students. “This bill does not remove books from shelves, it removes secrecy from the system,” said Jodi Hendricks, executive director of New Mexico Family Action Movement. “SB 49 gives families the transparency they deserve while preserving local control and academic integrity.”
Hendricks said the measure addresses concerns raised by parents who feel they lack clear information about library materials. “For too long, parents have been told they must choose between transparency and intellectual freedom,” she said. “SB 49 proves that’s a false choice.”
Under the bill, the pilot program would begin with up to 20 participating schools. Each school would receive $25,000 upon selection and an additional $25,000 after completing a required parent survey at the end of the program. The survey would measure parental trust in the school, engagement in their child’s education, and satisfaction with transparency around library materials.
The legislation comes amid ongoing debate over access to books in school libraries, as some parents have called for the removal of materials they consider explicit, while opponents warn against efforts they view as book bans. Supporters of SB 49 argue the rating system is intended to provide information rather than restrict access.
