One Senate bill has been passed back and forth between the Iowa Senate and House of Representatives, and has had some interesting amendments added by both chambers.

Senator for District 12 Amy Sinclair says that one of the amendments that she agrees with would have schools provide a digital database of the books in their libraries. This would allow parents to see what books are available to their children, and they could also easily file a complaint if they find one that they believe is inappropriate.

“Some school districts may use a type of software to catalog their school libraries. All schools are using electronic software to catalog their libraries anymore, so this isn’t a big deal to get that searchable database onto the website.”

Sinclair tells Raccoon Valley Radio that this amendment would also require any classroom libraries to be included, meaning teachers would have to provide a list of the books from the collections they have for their students to read as well. Sinclair does mention that she’s unsure how these databases will be put in place or regulated, as that is all up to each school district. Senate File 496 is currently being discussed in the House of Representatives.