Senate panel advances bill tightening obscenity laws for schools, libraries

By: Robin Opsahl

Outlets: Iowa Capital Dispatch

Published: February 16, 2026

Words: 799

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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A Senate subcommittee passed a measure Monday to remove existing exemptions from state obscenity laws for public libraries and schools.

“Obscene” materials — defined as materials containing depictions of sexual acts and material involving nudity or sadomasochistic abuse of minors that lacks “literary, artistic, political or scientific value” when considered as a whole — are already not allowed in public libraries or schools under federal law, according to librarians and some advocates.”

However, in

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