MS HB1045

Creates Commission on Age Appropriate Literacy with 17 members (State Superintendent, 4 higher education representatives, 4 public school educators/administrators, 4 public librarians, and 4 parents) to compile and annually update a list of obscene materials prohibited in library collections for children under 15.

Defines obscene materials as those meeting three criteria: appeals to prurient interest by contemporary community standards, lacks serious literary/artistic/political/scientific value, and depicts sexual conduct in patently offensive manner, excluding age-appropriate anatomy or classical art.

Allows Mississippi citizens to petition the Commission to add materials to the obscene list, with appeal rights to Mississippi Library Commission if petitioner or any person disagrees with the determination.

Permits parents of affected children to file lawsuits for declarative and injunctive relief including attorney's fees in circuit court after providing 30-day notice to Mississippi Library Commission and State Department of Education to cure violations.

Amends Section 37-1-3 to require State Board of Education to provide guidance and training to Commission on Age Appropriate Literacy members; effective July 1, 2023.