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Bill > H4120


MA H4120

MA H4120
Modernizing library access to electronic books and digital audiobooks


summary

Introduced
08/23/2021
In Committee
09/16/2021
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2022

Introduced Session

192nd General Court

Bill Summary

Relative to library access to electronic books and digital audiobooks. Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.

AI Summary

This bill aims to modernize library access to electronic books (e-books) and digital audiobooks. It requires publishers who offer to license these digital materials to the public to also offer to license them to libraries in Massachusetts on reasonable terms. These reasonable terms include limitations on the number of simultaneous users and access periods, as well as the use of technological protection measures. Importantly, the bill prohibits publishers from limiting the number of e-book licenses that libraries can purchase on the same date as the public. Any violation of this law would be considered an unfair and deceptive trade practice under the state's consumer protection statute.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (22)

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see H5219 (on 09/06/2022)

bill text


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