AI Summary:

New Mexico’s Rep. Kathleen Cates has introduced House Bill 26 to prohibit book banning in public libraries. The bill requires libraries to establish procedures for challenging materials and protects library employees from retaliation. Cates aims to refine the previous Librarian Protection Act, emphasizing librarian job security. Local authors, including Kit Rosewater, have faced censorship, highlighting the need for such legislation. The bill is part of a broader movement against book bans, with similar measures expected for K-12 schools and academic libraries. Advocacy groups are working to ensure New Mexico libraries maintain free access to information.