Bill > HB666

This bill strengthens library user privacy protections by expanding the definition of confidential library records to explicitly include library cards and membership status. Currently, library records containing personal identifying information are already confidential, but this bill adds specific language to clarify that library cards and membership status are also protected. The bill introduces a new provision that imposes a $500 restitution payment and requires a notarized public apology for anyone (including library staff or members of the public) who discloses an individual's library card or membership status without either a court order or the explicit consent of the individual. The changes aim to provide stronger legal safeguards for library users' personal information, ensuring that details about their library usage and membership remain private. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and has been assessed to have a minimal fiscal impact of less than $10,000 annually. The legislative notes indicate that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources was consulted during the bill's development.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0492&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB666