05/02/2024

Louisiana Bill Targeting ALA Killed in Committee

Several associations opposed the bill

A Louisiana House bill (H.B. 777) that targeted the American Library Association (ALA) was defeated in committee this week, marking a win for the association community, librarians and anti-censorship advocates.

The bottom line: The bill would have prohibited librarians in Louisiana from using public funds to attend ALA conferences for continuing education and proposed hefty penalties including fines and up to two years in prison. The ALA was targeted by the bill’s author, Republican State Rep. Kellee Hennessy Dickerson, because the ALA actively opposes censorship and attempts to ban various book titles at public libraries.

The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) joined ALA and New Orleans & Company, among others, in advocating against the legislation.

This article was provided to OSAP by ASAE's Power of Associations and Inroads.