Bill Summary: HB 5312

• Effective July 1, 2026, prohibits publishers from enforcing seven specific restrictions in electronic book and digital audiobook license agreements with Connecticut libraries, including bans on lending materials or limiting the number of loans.

• Makes unenforceable any contract provision that prevents libraries from making nonpublic preservation copies, sharing contract terms with other libraries, or requires violations of state law.

• Allows publishers to limit simultaneous borrower access and require reasonable technological protection measures that prevent borrowers from retaining materials beyond the access period or sharing with others.

• Permits publishers to restrict contract duration only if libraries have alternative options including pay-per-use models or perpetual public use agreements on commercially reasonable terms.

• Defines "library" to include public libraries, school libraries, tribal libraries, academic libraries, and research libraries funded by the state or political subdivisions; violations of enforcement restrictions constitute unfair trade practices enforced by the Attorney General.