Current through Pa Acts 2024-53, 2024-56 through 2024-92
Section 4605 - Public library Internet policies(a)Acceptable-use policy.--Within 180 days after the effective date of this act, the governing body of each public library shall adopt an acceptable-use policy for the Internet. At a minimum, the policy shall contain provisions which are reasonably designed to: (1) Prevent library patrons, including those patrons under 18 years of age and library employees, from using the library's computer equipment and communications services for sending, receiving, viewing or downloading visual depictions of obscenity, child sexual abuse material or material that is harmful to minors.(2) Establish appropriate measures to be taken against library patrons and employees who willfully violate the policy.(b) Implementation and enforcement of policy.--The governing body of the public library shall take such steps as it deems appropriate to implement and enforce the requirements of subsection (a). These steps shall include, but need not be limited to, the following:(1) the use of software programs designed to block access by library patrons and employees to visual depictions of obscenity, child sexual abuse material or material that is harmful to minors; or(2) the selection of online servers that block access by library patrons and employees to visual depictions of obscenity, child sexual abuse material or material that is harmful to minors.(c) Immunity.--A public library shall not be subject to civil liability for damages to any person as a result of the failure of any approved software program or approved online server to block access to visual depictions of obscenity, child sexual abuse material or material that is harmful to minors. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to abrogate or lessen any immunity or other protection against liability accorded to public libraries under existing law or court decision.Amended by P.L. (number not assigned at time of publication) 2024 No. 92,§ 3, eff. 9/18/2024.2004, Nov. 30, P.L. 1556, No. 197, § 5, imd. effective.