Under the Texas bill, a book would get a “sexually relevant” rating if the material describes or portrays sexual activity but is part of the required school curriculum. A book would get a “sexually explicit” rating if the material describing or portraying sexual behavior is “patently offensive” and not part of required curriculum.

Books with a “sexually explicit” rating would be removed from library bookshelves. Students who want to check out books with a “sexually relevant” rating would have to get parental permission first. ..

Meanwhile in Louisiana, the state House was set to debate a bill that would create a card system to prevent children from checking out “sexually explicit material” from public libraries unless they have parental approval. The bill would allow parents to bring books to a local board for review.

[Once again, libraries curate their inventory, especially in regard to underage readers. None of these efforts would remove the content, but rather apply restrictions to it for children. One can debate the decisions made, but that’s precisely why people elect legislatures. This will likely get painted as a “ban,” but it’s not even close. — Ed]