HI SB799

Prohibits Hawaii public school libraries and state public libraries from excluding or removing books based on the race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political/social views of the author, or due to partisan, ideological, or religious disapproval

Requires the Department of Education to select school library materials based on professional judgment, community interests, publishing trends, and diversity considerations for students in grades K-12

Mandates that the State Librarian and public library system select materials according to professional guidelines that reflect community interests and the diversity of the State for audiences of all ages

Codifies that selecting materials does not imply agreement with or endorsement of the content, viewpoint, or expression contained in the books or materials

Cites American Library Association data showing over 4,200 library books were targeted for removal nationally in 2023, up from approximately 2,600 in 2022