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Director warns of uncertainty as Senate Bill 2,307 heads to governor
Summary
Library leadership told the board that Senate Bill 2,307 narrowly passed the state House and is now awaiting the governor's decision; the bill has drawn opposition from prosecutors' associations and concern from local library staff.
The Fargo Public Library director briefed the board on Senate Bill 2,307, telling trustees the bill “barely passed the House floor by 2 votes” and is now with the governor for a three‑day decision window.
The director said the bill would name the Association for State's Attorneys (referred to in discussion) as the entity authorized to act on complaints about potentially offensive material, and that the association is opposed to the measure. The director described outreach from Representative Swantek — the only state elected official who contacted the director about the bill — and said the city attorney’s office has been supportive in conversations with municipal staff.
“Certainly getting a lot of support from the community in regards to any conversations in relation to this,” the director said, noting there was no firm timeframe for when the governor would act.
Why it matters: The board was advised that the bill, if enacted, could change complaint or review processes for library materials; library leaders and legal staff are monitoring next steps while advising patrons and local officials.
Context and next steps According to the director, the governor has three days to act on the bill; trustees were encouraged to contact the governor's office to express views. The director said the library has been providing information to legislators during hearings and that staff answered questions from Representative Swantek when he sought details about library services.
No formal board action on the legislation was recorded in the transcript. Library staff said they will continue to track the bill’s progress and update the board as needed.
