At Right to Read ND, we are committed to defending the freedom to read and ensuring that North Dakotans have access to a wide range of books, materials, and ideas in our libraries and schools.

Join us in taking action during the 2025 ND Legislative Session using our bill tracker below. Here, you can find a summary of each bill, our position, and where the bills are in the legislative process.

Bills to Oppose:

SB 2307 - Library Censorship Bill
Thank you for taking action on the bill! On April 25, the governor's veto was sustained in the ND Senate, so the bill is defeated. 🎉

SB 2278 - Making Libraries Keep Outdated Materials
A study to make our libraries keep outdated materials. If an author were to update their text to be more inclusive or update to modern language, North Dakota libraries would have to keep the old version of the book.
Status: Signed by the governor.

Bills to Support:

HB 1013 - State Library Funding
This bill would support funding for the State Library, the Department of Public Instruction, the Center for Distance Education, the School for the Deaf, and North Dakota Vision Services. These programs support reading and education in North Dakota and services for people with disabilities.
Status: In conference committee to negotiate the differences between the chambers.

HB 1254 - Access to Materials
This bill would allow all North Dakotans to apply for a State Library card.
Status: Signed by the governor.

Positions

Our public policy positions that will guide our advocacy efforts in 2025:

  • Freedom to Read: Every North Dakotan deserves access to a wide range of ideas and information without censorship.

  • Diverse Representation: Library collections should reflect the diversity of our state, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

  • Trust in Librarians and Educators: We trust the professionals in our libraries and schools to provide equitable services and materials that fulfill the interests and needs of their library users.

  • Parental Responsibility: We believe parents—not the government—should guide their children’s reading choices.

  • Opposition to Harmful Legislation: We oppose any legislation that limits access to information or undermines First Amendment rights.

  • Support for Public Funding: We reject efforts to defund our public libraries and schools, which provide equitable access to information for all.

Get Involved: Join us today to take action and defend the right to read in North Dakota.