‘An Act Regarding Free Expression/S.2696’ Passes in the Senate!
In a victory for free speech, the Massachusetts Senate passed "An Act Regarding Free Expression/S.2696" this week on Thursday 11/13/25. The bill protects the right to access books across Massachusetts, safeguards librarians and educators from harassment for doing their jobs, and protects authors, creators, booksellers, and publishers from economic harm due to censorship.
This bill is now moving to the House.
In response to growing attacks on the freedom to read across the country, including in Massachusetts, local organizations and national partners have formed the Mass Freedom to Read coalition, who have championed "An Act Regarding Free Expression," mobilizing readers, librarians, booksellers, authors, and publishers across the Bay State to speak up for the importance of free speech.
In Massachusetts, challenges to library materials have more than doubled over the last three years, as documented by PEN America and the American Library Association, having an impact on librarians, students, educators, and authors. Massachusetts-based authors and illustrators have been further affected through bans of their books banned across the country since 2021. Massachusetts booksellers have faced harassment and intimidation at their events.
“Authors Against Book Bans Massachusetts is delighted that the bill known as 'An Act Regarding Free Expression' has passed the Senate. As a Massachusetts author of books for kids and teens whose books have been banned and challenged, it was heartening to be in the Senate gallery as Senator after Senator took the floor to support the importance of free expression, the role of diverse voices, and the urgent need for books and their creators to be protected under the law in the Commonwealth. It was clear from their speeches that they have heard the voices of their constituents—the authors, illustrators, librarians, educators, booksellers, and individuals who know that book bans hurt us all," said Dana Alison Levy, author and co-lead of Authors Against Book Bans Massachusetts.
"Candlewick Press is thrilled that the Senate not only passed the bill but also did so with amendments that significantly strengthened the protection for authors and illustrators when their books are challenged in Massachusetts," said Anne Irza-Leggat, Educational Marketing Manager at award-winning Massachusetts publisher Candlewick Press.
"Establishing Massachusetts as a safe haven for the freedom to read is especially important in the face of ongoing censorship in public schools and libraries," said Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read Program Director at PEN America. "We're glad the Massachusetts Senate passed this bill as a first step and hope to see it become law in the future, ensuring greater protections for students and authors facing book censorship in Massachusetts."
Coalition members now working to pass this vital legislation in the House include American Booksellers for Free Expression, Authors Against Book Bans Massachusetts, The Authors Guild, Beacon Press, Boston Comic Arts Foundation, Candlewick Press, Charlesbridge Publishing, Greater Boston PFLAG, Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth, Massachusetts Library Association, Nosy Crow, PEN America, Penguin Random House, Skinner House Books, and Wondermore.