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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
VETOED
school libraries; professional associations; prohibitions
Purpose
Prohibits a public school library from using public monies to pay a professional association that promotes, supports and advocates for libraries, librarians and information services. Designates this legislation as the Library Freedom Act.
Background
A school district governing board (governing board) may establish and maintain libraries. The governing board is accountable for the care of the libraries and must enforce prescribed library rules but may appoint district librarians or put the libraries under direct charge of a teacher or other qualified person. A school district library is free to all pupils of suitable age who attend the school.
A governing board may enter into agreements with counties, county free library districts, municipal libraries, nonprofit and public libraries, tribal libraries, private schools and tribal schools. A governing board may also enter into a contract or agreement with a county free library or other public library possessing facility to provide for: 1) the procurement of reference or other library books; or 2) the extension services of the library (A.R.S. § 15-362).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits a school library operated by a public school from using public monies to pay any professional association that is dedicated to promoting, supporting and advocating for libraries, librarians and information services.
2. Specifies that the prohibition on public school libraries does not prohibit a county free library district, municipal library or other entity with which a public school may enter a contract agreement for library services, books or programs from paying dues to, or becoming an organizational member of, a professional association that promotes, supports and advocates for libraries, librarians and information services.
3. Specifies that school library includes the library of a school, each school site that is served by the library and the school governing body.
4. Designates this legislation as the Library Freedom Act.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Governor's Veto Message
The Governor indicates in her veto message that at a time when literacy rates are on the decline nationwide, she will not support legislation that deprives children of the resources they need to reach their full potential.
House Action Senate Action
ED 1/20/26 DP 7-5-0-0 ED 3/4/26 DP 4-2-1
3rd Read 2/5/26 33-25-2 3rd Read 4/1/26 17-13-0
Vetoed by the Governor 4/7/26
Prepared by Senate Research
April 8, 2026
MH/ci