Bill > S2710

This bill establishes a special legislative commission to investigate and address challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections. The commission will consist of representatives from various organizations, including legislative leaders, library associations, state agencies, and experts in fields like intellectual property and digital publishing. The commission's primary tasks include studying cost trends for digital resources, examining patron use and satisfaction, researching legal differences between digital and print material licensing, investigating data privacy and metadata practices, and analyzing how digital resources impact library users. The commission will specifically explore issues related to digital resource access, patron privacy, collection diversity, and data protection. Members will be appointed by legislative leaders, the governor, and various organizational heads, with co-chairs from the house and senate directing the commission's work. The commission is required to submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations to the clerks of the house and senate, the governor, and the attorney general by October 15, 2026. Key definitions in the bill include "digital resources" (electronic materials like books, videos, databases) and "public library" (which encompasses public, school, and research libraries).

Budget and Finance

Rules (Senate)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2710