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MA H3595

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/27/2025

Primary Sponsor

Brian Murray

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

194th General Court

AI Summary

  • Prohibits library-publisher contracts from restricting libraries' ability to disclose license terms to other libraries, the legislature, attorney general, or board of library commissioners

  • Prohibits contract provisions that would require libraries to violate patron confidentiality, with violations constituting unfair and deceptive practices under Chapter 93A

  • Establishes a special legislative commission to study cost trends, consumer satisfaction, patron privacy, and legal issues related to digital resources in public, school, and research libraries

  • Commission membership includes 4 legislators, library association representatives, the attorney general, and experts in intellectual property, consumer protection, and digital distribution (including a representative from a company like OverDrive)

  • Commission must submit findings and recommendations to the legislature and governor by December 31, 2026

Legislative Description

Addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections

Last Action

Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

11/18/2025

Committee Referrals

Ways and Means11/18/2025
Rules10/29/2025
Rules10/6/2025
Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development2/27/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available