CIPA Update, Part V: "Son of CIPA Bills" Proposed

-- Library Journal, 02/27/2004

Though the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) does not apply to some public libraries, and others have chosen to forego federal funds for Internet access rather than comply, public libraries in ten states (so far) must look warily at similar state bills that would tie filtering to receipt of state funds. Most have not emerged from committee, but in Utah, HB 341 recently passed in committee, and in Ohio, SB 144 has passed the Senate. Bills are also pending in Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, New Jersey, and Virginia. As written, most of the bills do not include the option of disabling the filter for adults--and thus, if passed, could be challenged under the CIPA decision. The Ohio bill, which initially required adults to offer an explanation for their disabling request, would not require an explanation from adults but would require one from juveniles.

This is the five of a five-part daily series this week. See also:

Deadline Approaches, Large PLs in Poorer Areas Squeezed
Tactics Vary, No Statistics Yet
Technical Questions, Help From Some States
Can Implementation Be Challenged?
CIPA Update, Part V: "Son of CIPA Bills" Proposed