MS HB610

Creates the Commission on Age Appropriate Literacy consisting of 17 members (including the State Superintendent as chair, higher education representatives, educators, librarians, and parents) to compile and annually update a list of obscene materials prohibited in public library collections for children under 15.

Defines obscene material as content that appeals to prurient interest, lacks serious literary/artistic/political/scientific value, and depicts sexual acts, masturbation, excretory functions, bestiality, or sadomasochistic content in a patently offensive manner; excludes age-appropriate anatomy diagrams and classical art.

Allows Mississippi citizens to petition the Commission to add materials to the obscene list with appeal rights to the Mississippi Library Commission for final determination.

Permits parents whose children are affected by violations to file suit for declarative and injunctive relief including attorney's fees, but requires 30-day written notice to the Mississippi Library Commission and State Department of Education first, giving libraries 30 days to cure violations before suit proceeds.

Amends Section 37-1-3 to require the State Board of Education to provide guidance and training to the Commission on Age Appropriate Literacy; effective July 1, 2024.