Bill offers patriot act exemption: measure would protect library and bookstore records from FBI. (News).

The Freedom To Read Protection Act, introduced in Congress March 6, would exempt libraries and booksellers from certain provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act. Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the primary sponsor of the legislation, appeared at a press conference along with representatives of the American Library Association, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, and New England Booksellers Association. There were 23 initial cosponsors.

Previously, government lawyers required "probable cause" of a crime to obtain a search warrant. Now, it must be "relevant" to an investigation--a much lower threshold. A Justice Department spokesman said one reason for the Patriot …