House committee backs ban on public funds for school-library association dues, sponsor says lists are ideological

The Arizona House Education Committee on Tuesday voted 7-5 to give House Bill 2008 a due-pass recommendation. The measure would prohibit public schools from using public monies to pay professional association dues for organizations that promote and advocate for libraries and librarians.

Representative Nick Kupper, sponsor of HB2008, told the committee the bill is designed to keep "political ideology" out of school collections. "Our public schools should be as politically and ideologically neutral as possible," Kupper said, citing a report he said showed many library-recommended book lists are not 'neutral.' He named specific titles he described as politically charged.

Opponents, including school librarians and district officials, said the bill would further hinder libraries that already operate on shoestring budgets. "Prohibiting public schools from paying dues or conference fees removes an opportunity for schools to support high-quality work of school librarians that enables them to properly serve our children," said Judy Schwiebert, a former school librarian who testified against the bill.

Supporters said the bill does not ban membership by individuals, only the use of public funds to pay for association dues. Kupper said districts or individuals could still join associations using nonpublic funds.

Committee action: A motion to return HB2008 with a due-pass recommendation was moved by the vice chair and carried 7-5. The committee debate focused on whether the issue reflected a statewide problem and whether the change would harm library services.

What's next: The committee's recommendation sends HB2008 to the full House for further consideration; the bill sponsor and opponents both said they would provide additional data if requested.

Representative first reference: Representative Nick Kupper, sponsor of HB2008.