Book bans aren't stopping at libraries--now Texas is targeting bookstores [View all]

https://www.chron.com/politics/article/texas-bookstores-obscene-books-20290932.php

A new bill in the Texas Legislature, authored by Texas Rep. Nate Schatzline, would allow businesses to be held liable if a minor reports damages from a work deemed "obscene." In addition to fees for damages, the penalties would include court costs and attorneys' fees.

House Bill 1375 states that each "occurrence of obscenity that harms a person, regardless of whether the occurrence is part of a pattern of conduct, gives rise to a separate claim for civil liability."

This means that bookstores that sell works deemed "obscene" could face multiple lawsuits.

"The increased risk of lawsuits will make it harder for retailers to do business in our local communities and in Texas as a whole. What school district is going to work with a bookseller accused (falsely or not!) of distributing "harmful materials to minors?" Texas Freedom to Read said on X.

This effort from GOP lawmakers is a gut-punch to pro-book parents and advocates, many of whom say they were previously assured they could still purchase any books they wanted—even as titles were removed from schools and libraries.

1. This was never just about public schools and libraries
2. Civil suits require a lower standard of evidence than criminal cases. A civil suit can, however drive a bookstore out of business.
3. Expect online booksellers to be targeted next.