In a move that has alarmed library supporters, a new law in Kentucky will give politicians control over local library boards in the state. According to a report in the Lexington Herald Leader, SB 167-which came back from the dead last week with a dramatic veto override-will empower local politicians to "appoint whomever they want to library boards and block major library spending."
Last week, the bill appeared to be killed after Kentucky governor Andy Beshear vetoed it, and the Kentucky House of Representatives fell short of the necessary votes to override. But in a surprise maneuver, supporters of the bill were able to revive the bill for another override vote-and this time, four representatives who had not voted in the previous effort voted to override Beshear's veto, carrying the measure into law. The law is scheduled to take effect in January 2023.