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Bill > A1861

NJ A1861

Enacts the "Reader Privacy Act."

summary

Introduced
01/27/2016
In Committee
05/01/2017
Crossed Over
03/23/2017
Passed
Dead
01/08/2018

Introduced Session

2016-2017 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill enacts the "Reader Privacy Act," which extends reader privacy protections to book purchases, including the purchase of electronic books (e-books). Under current law, library records which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of libraries are confidential and protected from disclosure except in certain circumstances. This bill extends similar protections to the readers and purchasers of books and e-books. The bill defines a "book service" as a service that, as its primary purpose, provides the rental, purchase, borrowing, browsing, or viewing of books. Under the provisions of the bill, a law enforcement entity or other government entity will not seek the disclosure of the personal information of a book service user from a provider, except in the following circumstances: (1) Disclosure is requested or consented to by the user; (2) Disclosure is pursuant to a subpoena or court order; (3) A government entity requires that a provider serving an institution of higher education disclose the personal information of a book service user to a government entity in order to be reimbursed for the sale or rental of a book that was purchased or rented by a student using book vouchers or other financial aid subsidies for books. The bill provides that a law enforcement entity may seek, and a provider will disclose, the personal information of a book service user if the law enforcement entity asserts that there is an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury requiring the immediate disclosure of the requested personal information and that there is insufficient time to obtain a subpoena or court order. The law enforcement entity will provide the provider with a written confirmation of its assertions upon request or no later than seven days after seeking disclosure.

AI Summary

This bill enacts the "Reader Privacy Act," which extends privacy protections to the purchase of books, including electronic books (e-books). It defines a "book service" as a service that primarily provides the rental, purchase, borrowing, browsing, or viewing of books. The bill prohibits law enforcement or other government entities from seeking the disclosure of a user's personal information from a book service provider, except in certain circumstances such as when the user consents or pursuant to a subpoena or court order. The bill also allows law enforcement to request immediate disclosure of personal information if they assert an imminent danger of death or serious injury, and provides an exception for a provider to disclose information if they believe it may be evidence of a crime against the provider or user.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (15)

Last Action

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 05/01/2017)
(2 Companion Bills)

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