CT HB06829

Effective October 1, 2023, makes seven specific contract provisions unenforceable in electronic book and digital audiobook license agreements between Connecticut libraries and publishers.

Prohibits contract terms that ban library lending (including interlibrary loans), restrict loan frequency, limit simultaneous license purchases, prevent preservation copies, restrict term disclosure to other libraries, or impose unreasonable contract duration limits.

Allows publishers to limit simultaneous borrower access and implement technological protections that prevent access beyond the loan period or sharing with other borrowers.

Establishes civil penalties of $500 per violation (maximum $4,500 aggregate) for attempting to enforce banned provisions, with municipalities able to set penalties for local libraries and the Attorney General authorized to pursue enforcement for state libraries.

Permits disputes over unenforceable provisions to be resolved only in judicial forums, not through technological means.