OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, filed legislation this week prohibiting obscene materials in Oklahoma public school libraries.

House Bill 2978 would update state law governing school library media programs by prohibiting the acquisition of materials that meet Oklahoma’s legal definition of obscenity. The measure removes references to subjective community standards and instead relies on established statute, creating a consistent statewide framework for school library decisions.

“This legislation provides a straightforward statewide rule that helps ensure school libraries stay within the definition of education. According to Black’s Law Dictionary, education is defined as providing proper moral, intellectual and physical instruction," Banning said.

Under HB2978, school districts would follow the existing legal definition of obscenity outlined in Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes when acquiring library materials. Banning says this approach reduces confusion, limits conflict and gives administrators clear direction while preserving the innocence of our youth.