Senate Bill 2278, which would direct a legislative study into whether state-maintained libraries should retain original copies of books and written materials even when publishers release updated editions, was advanced by the Senate Education Committee on a 4-0 vote as amended.

Sponsor Senator Keith Boehm introduced the bill, saying the study would "explore whether state maintained libraries, including those in our educational institutions, should retain copies of books and written materials in their original form, even when publishers release updated versions with modernized language." Boehm said the study should weigh preservation of historical context against efforts to update language for contemporary audiences and called out examples such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and recent edits to children’s books to illustrate the debate.

The bill directs a comprehensive study that would also examine how artificial intelligence is being used to alter text. Boehm told the committee AI raises questions about "transparency, accuracy, and historical integrity," and asked members to support a study to identify policies that balance preservation and accessibility.

Jerry Rofstead, vice chancellor for strategy and strategic engagement at the North Dakota University System, testified in support and suggested the study include financial and operational impacts on institutions. Mary Susi, state librarian, testified she is neutral on the bill but said libraries already use collection development and retention policies that consider use, condition and availability of materials. Susi said she sees value in studying AI’s implications but requested that librarians be included in the study.

Committee members debated the bill’s language about whether the study "shall consider" or "must" examine particular topics. Senators pressed for clear language to ensure legislative management takes the study and for a fiscal analysis. Senator Baucher moved an amendment to add that "the study must include the fiscal and operational impact of collection management." Senator Gearhart seconded the amendment. The committee approved the amendment by voice/tally (4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 not voting).

After debate, Senator Baucher moved that the committee give the bill a due pass as amended; Vice Chair Lim seconded. The committee voted 4 yeas, 0 nays, 2 not voting, and the bill was reported from committee as amended. Committee discussion noted there is no appropriation attached to the study and that legislative management will ultimately determine which interim studies are taken up.

The bill’s study scope as amended includes preservation of original print and other formats, the operational burden of retaining multiple versions of texts (including storage and staffing), and the influence of AI on updating or rewriting historical texts. Committee members and witnesses emphasized that the library community should be included in any study design and that the study should produce a financial and operations analysis to inform future policy choices.

No substantive changes to statutory names or legal citations were proposed during the hearing. The amendment and the committee’s favorable report do not appropriate funds; the committee noted per-diem and routine interim-study costs would be borne by existing legislative council budgets.

The committee chair asked for a member to carry the bill to the floor; Senator Gearhart volunteered to carry SB 2278.