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Missouri Secretary of State defends controversial library rules

The public comment period is ending for proposed rules from Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, which threaten to take away state funding from libraries unless they restrict "non-age-appropriate materials" from minors. Ashcroft says the rules are meant to empower parents, but library administrators call it a slippery slope.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft argues that his new proposed rules for libraries will help protect children from "non-age-appropriate materials," but many library administrators say it's a nonissue. They worry the restrictions will deny equal access to information.

Up To Date's Steve Kraske spoke with Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and Kansas City Public Library Director of Policy Cindy Hohl about the proposal.

Comments on the rules are being accepted until Dec. 15 and can be mailed to the Office of the Missouri Secretary of State, P.O. Box 1767, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, or by email to comments@sos.mo.gov. You must include "rule number 15 CSR 30-200.015" in your correspondence.

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Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love and KCUR Studios and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.

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