Bill > HB273

This bill modifies existing library confidentiality laws to explicitly require libraries to provide parents or legal guardians access to their minor child's library records, specifically for printed books and audio-visual materials like DVDs and CDs. Under the proposed change, parents or legal guardians listed on a library account will be able to request and receive their child's current borrowing records, which represents a shift from previous privacy protections. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, which gives libraries and patrons time to prepare for and understand the new requirement. By allowing parental access to a minor's library records, the legislation aims to provide parents with more transparency about their children's reading and media consumption, though this may also raise potential concerns about children's privacy and intellectual freedom.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0549&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB273