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RI H7606
Bill
Status
2/11/2026
Primary Sponsor
Lauren Carson
Click for details
AI Summary
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Requires all contracts between publishers/aggregators and Rhode Island libraries for licensing ebooks and digital audiobooks to be governed by Rhode Island law
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Prohibits contract terms that restrict libraries from performing standard functions including setting loan periods, making preservation copies, participating in interlibrary loan, and determining their own lending practices
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Bars publishers from charging libraries more than the public retail price for ebooks, restricting the number of licenses available, or imposing per-circulation fees unless substantially lower than outright purchase costs
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Declares violations to be unfair and deceptive trade practices, with contracts containing prohibited provisions deemed unconscionable and unenforceable
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Delays enforcement until the Attorney General certifies that at least 2 other states with a combined population of 10 million have enacted substantially similar library ebook licensing laws
Legislative Description
Establishes enforcement limitations on contract terms for the licensing of electronic books or digital audiobooks to libraries to preclude the library from being subject to unfair sales practices.
Commercial Law
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/3/2026