Former Republican state Sen. Jason Rapert continues working to withhold state funding from some Arkansas libraries.
At a Friday meeting, the State Library Board voted against defunding some libraries by a vote of 5-2. The motion would have withheld funding from state libraries that have “sexually explicit books” available to minors. In the past, Rapert has rallied against certain books with LGBTQ characters specifically.
The only other board member to join him was Shari Bales, who, like Rapert, was appointed to the board by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Bales wanted the motion to have more concrete language.
“I appreciate that you said make sure its constitutionally defined,” she said. “Because I think that's extremely important that we not take away resources from people that need to be there.”
At the last board meeting, Bales told Rapert it was not within the board's legal duties to withhold funds. Rapert argued it was completely within the board's legal framework.
“The Arkansas State Library Board and the members thereof, we have the full authority to make decisions as it relates to our duty to distribute funds,” he said.
At Friday's meeting, Rapert brought along attorney Sarah DeBusk as legal counsel. DeBusk said it is legal for the board to withhold the funds. She said board members have the power to dictate funds, but those decisions have to go through rule promulgation.
This is Rapert’s fourth failed attempt this year to halt library funds. He says he will continue his attempt to halt funds until he is successful. Rapert's term on the library board expires in October 2029.
The meeting came after libraries in Crawford County were forced by law to relocate books they had removed to a restricted social section back into regular circulation. Meanwhile, a law criminalizing librarians who provide materials “harmful to minors” was partially struck down in court.
