Free Expression Legislation
New year, same garbage: here’s the latest in book ban legislation news.
New Hampshire
Today could see a floor vote in the New Hampshire House of Representatives on SB 33, a book ban bill similar or identical to the one Gov. Ayotte vetoed last year. It would allow school principals to ban books and allow appeal only for those who challenge books.
Meanwhile, we anticipate an amendment to SB 648, an age-verification bill for websites that could impact booksellers. This amendment would remove standing for private citizens to sue websites, leaving enforcement to the state. You can still write to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will discuss the bill tomorrow, via the committee aide.
New York
Despite last session’s passage of New York’s “Freedom to Read Act,” which would have added protections against book bans in New York, Gov. Hochul vetoed the legislation. Without legislation strengthening free expression policies in New York schools, districts remain vulnerable to censorship. You can let the Governor know what you think of her decision via her office’s website.
Penny Phase-Out
In 2025, due to increasing costs of penny production, the US Treasury announced the end of the production and distribution of new pennies for general circulation as a cost-reduction measure. While existing pennies remain legal tender and will continue to circulate, reports are that shortages are expected to begin by early 2026 as the supplies decrease.
For a more robust understanding of how this affects you, you can visit BookWeb.