Topeka ? The House approved a bill Thursday requiring public libraries to install technology to shield minors from Internet pornography and to prevent children from borrowing R-rated videos and DVDs.

The proposed “Children’s Internet Protection Act,” sent to the Senate on a 71-52 vote, also would require the state to pay for computer software or other technology before the filtering requirements would take effect.

The measure would apply to city, county or township libraries but not to those in schools or universities. Minors could use non-filtered computers with parental permission.

The bill also would prohibit libraries from checking out R-rated videos or DVDs to anyone under 18, unless a parent or guardian were present.

Proponents said the measure would protect children from being exposed to nude images or sexual content over the Internet. Critics said the state would be taking on an issue best left to local communities.

In the Senate, members have not thought much about the issue, said Majority Leader Lana Oleen, R-Manhattan.

As for the bill, Oleen said, “We haven’t been holding our breath, waiting to receive it.”

Library pornography is Sub for HB 2420.

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Kansas Legislature: http://www.kslegislature.org