Rep. Dew files bill in North Carolina House to protect library access rights

A new bill filed by State Rep. Dew in the North Carolina House seeks to ensure fair access and protect intellectual freedom in public libraries across the state, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 902 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Free to Learn – Library Bill of Rights Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill, known as the “Free to Learn – Library Bill of Rights Act,” aims to establish and protect the rights of North Carolina residents to access library information and services without discrimination or undue restriction. It amends the General Statutes to introduce a new Chapter 125A, outlining users’ rights to access information, fair access to library services, intellectual freedom, and privacy. The bill mandates libraries to develop policies protecting these rights, provide necessary staff training, and establish conduct policies for library programs and events, ensuring fair and viewpoint-neutral treatment. It appropriates $2 million annually for the 2025-27 fiscal biennium to support its implementation, funding the Free to Learn Library Grant Program, technical assistance, and public education campaigns. A Library Rights Division within the Department of Justice will be established to monitor compliance, investigate violations, and provide legal support. The act becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Marcia Morey proposed the most bills (38) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Dew, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 107th House district, replacing previous state representative Robert Drakeford.