FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas — A significant legal development occurred on Monday when a federal judge invalidated crucial aspects of a recently enacted Arkansas law aimed at holding librarians and booksellers accountable for distributing materials deemed “harmful” to minors.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks ruled that certain provisions of this law violate constitutional rights. In response to the ruling, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin acknowledged the decision and indicated intentions to appeal it in a public statement.

The controversial law aimed to establish a protocol for contesting library materials, allowing for their relocation to areas less accessible to children. Although it was signed into law by Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in 2023, an earlier decision had already halted its implementation while it was under legal scrutiny.

In his ruling, Brooks emphasized that the law could transform librarians and booksellers into censorship enforcers, suggesting that the threat of criminal repercussions might lead them to restrict their selections, only making available materials suitable for very young readers. This concern was underscored by a coalition that included the Central Arkansas Library System, which argued that the possibility of prosecution could deter libraries and booksellers from offering titles that might attract challenges.

Holly Dickson, the executive director of the ACLU of Arkansas, hailed the ruling as a victory over authoritarian practices. She praised the resilience of librarians, booksellers, and readers who stood firm against pressure.

On the other hand, advocates for the law, referred to as Act 372, expressed their determination to pursue its enforcement. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders reiterated her view that Act 372 represents common sense, contending that schools and libraries should not expose children to inappropriate materials. She confirmed that she would collaborate with Attorney General Griffin in an effort to overturn the ruling and uphold the law.

This legal decision occurs amid a growing trend in several conservative states to propose laws that facilitate the banning or limiting of access to certain books. Measures aimed at restricting specific materials or simplifying the process for challenging their availability have already been introduced in various states, including Iowa, Indiana, and Texas.