Statehouse — The Indiana Senate passed a bill Tuesday that some say would strip teachers and school librarians of a legal defense against charges that they distributed harmful material to minors.
While Senators debated the legislation for about two hours, supporters of the bill argued that it closes a loophole while opponents raised concerns that it will criminalize teachers and librarians and have an effect on the types of books available in schools.
Under Senate Bill 12, if a prosecutor charged a teacher or school librarian with disseminating material that is harmful to minors, the school teacher or librarian would not be able to argue that the material had educational value as a defense. The measure also establishes a process for parents to file complaints over inappropriate materials.
Sen. Jim Tomes (R-Evansville) authored the bill and says it was born out of response to concerns from parents who claim that pornography is rampant in schools.
The bill passed the Senate in a 37-12 vote, largely along party lines.
The measure now moves to the Indiana House for consideration.
(Story by WRBI reporter Bill Remeika)
