U.S. | Fri May 5, 2017 | 6:02pm EDT

Florida lawmakers pass bill making it easier to challenge textbooks

By Bernie Woodall

The Florida Senate on Friday narrowly passed a measure that would allow more people to object to textbooks and classroom materials used in public schools, a move opponents warn could result in censorship of controversial topics.

The bill lets any resident seek a hearing to have what they see as objectionable textbooks, library books or material removed from schools. Under current law, only parents of public school children can object to school materials.

The new measure would provide for an unbiased third party to advise local county school boards hearing such challenges.

The Republican-controlled Senate voted 19-17 to approve the measure, largely along party lines, with two Republicans voting against it. The legislation, which passed the House of Representatives last month in a 94-25 vote, now goes to Republican Governor Rick Scott.

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