Bill > SB757

This bill establishes new regulations for digital literary material licensing agreements between publishers and public libraries in Hawaii, aimed at ensuring fair and reasonable access to digital resources. The legislation defines "digital literary materials" as electronic books and digital audiobooks and prohibits publishers from imposing overly restrictive or expensive licensing terms that would impede libraries' ability to serve their communities. Specifically, the bill prevents publishers from implementing practices such as charging libraries significantly higher prices than individual consumers, restricting the number of loans or license duration, imposing per-circulation fees, limiting interlibrary loans, or compromising borrower privacy. If a publisher offers a licensing agreement with any of these prohibited terms, it would be considered an unfair or deceptive practice, rendering the contract void and unenforceable. The bill allows libraries, library officers, and borrowers to take legal action against publishers who violate these terms, with the goal of preserving libraries' role as vital public resources for education and equitable access to information. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2050, and will apply to new and renewed licensing agreements after that date.

Business and Industry, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=757&year=2026