RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Virginia’s Senate has approved a bill requiring schools to notify parents if their children will be assigned to read a book that includes sexually explicit material. The bill backed by Republican House Speaker William Howell would also require schools to provide an alternative if the parent objects. The measure passed with a 22-17 vote Tuesday after a spirited debate. It unanimously passed the House last month. If it’s enacted, a library expert says it would be the first state law forcing schools to notify parents about explicit material. Democratic Sen. Adam Ebbin called the bill the “first step toward encouraging censorship.” Supporters said nothing would prevent teachers from still using those books in the classroom.
