Bill > A03589

This bill protects libraries' access to electronic literary materials by establishing strict regulations on contracts between publishers and libraries in New York State. The legislation defines key terms like "electronic books," "digital audiobooks," and "libraries," and prohibits publishers from including certain restrictive provisions in licensing agreements. Specifically, publishers cannot limit libraries' ability to loan electronic materials, set unreasonable licensing fees, restrict the number of times materials can be loaned, or impose conditions that interfere with libraries' core missions. The bill ensures libraries can loan electronic literary materials to borrowers using technological protection measures, make preservation copies, conduct interlibrary loans, and virtually display materials for educational purposes. If publishers violate these provisions, they can be subject to civil penalties up to $7,500 for intentional violations, and libraries, library officers, borrowers, or the attorney general can seek legal remedies. The law aims to maintain libraries' ability to provide equitable access to digital reading materials while preventing publishers from implementing overly restrictive contract terms that could limit public access to information.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3589