HO314 calls for civil penalties of $2,500 in addition to injunctive relief by a prosecuting attorney if a school or public library provides materials that are "harmful to minors." While Idaho libraries do not provide materials that are harmful to minors, the simple threat of expensive lawsuits is likely to have a damaging chilling effect, restricting Idahoans' liberty to access information, self-direct, and read and think freely for themselves. HO314 is another misguided attempt by the state to limit Idahoans First Amendment freedoms. This bill will particularly impact small, rural libraries and taxpayers, which will have to choose whether providing materials that support their communities is even possible under the threat of expensive and time-consuming lawsuits. If local libraries that are forced by unneeded state regulations to defend against private claims of harm, they will not be able to continue to serve the needs of local Idahoans. This bill is government overreach, a violation of parents' rights, and an attack on the ability of libraries to provide access to information for all Idahoans, regardless of their values or beliefs.

If school boards and the state government limit what we can read, you won’t be able to read the books you want to read. You deserve access to information to be ready for college, jobs in the real world, and to be safe and healthy. Everyone deserves the right to choose books for themselves and their families without government interference. It’s never been more clear or more needed. We’ve got to stand up to censorship.

I want my fellow Utahns to know that I recognize and appreciate the contributions of our libraries. I know that: • My community is a better place to live, is more fun and interesting, and is more successful because of our library. • Libraries are free and open for all and provide a wide range of information, supporting a more educated and informed community. Libraries have books that reflect all perspectives; they transcend partisan political parties and politics.  • Libraries are centers of free expression, discovery, learning, self-direction, and artistic creation. Libraries support and nurture arts and culture in our communities, providing gallery space, performance space, and maker/creative spaces for all ages and interests. • Libraries support business development and entrepreneurs, fostering prosperity, and strengthening our local and national economy. • Libraries cultivate and preserve our local history and stories, helping us make connections between our past and present, and inspiring us to see the future we can create together. • For these reasons I am proud to sign up and add my name to the list of Utahns who support strong, well-funded libraries across the state.

Parents already have the right to limit their own children's reading selections. Creating a restricted section that is only accessible with a permission slip creates unnecessary steps. The books have already been vetted by library professionals. By opening book challenges to all residents, parent rights are diluted as anyone can choose to limit the books that are available in libraries.