06/11/2026
Wonderful news that the MA House has passed the Freedom to Read Bill, which follows the state Senate passing a similar bill late last year. Once the differences between the two are ironed out, a signature from the Governor will protect readers and librarians from censorship efforts. Thank you to all our legislators who supported this important bill!
The Massachusetts House voted overwhelmingly (153-3) to pass the Freedom to Read Act, legislation that protects access to books and library materials while guarding against politically motivated censorship.
I was proud to serve as an original sponsor of this legislation because I believe every student, parent, and resident deserves the freedom to explore ideas, learn from diverse perspectives, and make their own decisions about what to read.
Libraries are places of discovery, learning, and intellectual freedom; they should not be political battlegrounds. This bill ensures that decisions about library collections are made by trained professionals using established educational and library standards, not by ideological pressure or partisan agendas.
At a time when book challenges and censorship efforts are increasing across the country, Massachusetts is once again standing up for free expression, academic freedom, and the fundamental right to read.
Thank you to Representatives John Moran and Adam Scanlon, Speaker Mariano, and all of my colleagues who supported this important legislation.
