An Act modernizing library access to electronic books and digital audiobooks
This bill updates Massachusetts library laws to ensure that publishers offering digital books and audiobooks to the public must also make them available to libraries on fair terms. It requires these licenses to be accessible to all library types, including public, school, academic, and tribal libraries, without restricting the number of licenses a library can buy on the same day as the general public. The law defines specific rules for these licenses, such as limits on simultaneous users, loan periods, and digital security measures, while prohibiting restrictions on how many copies a library can purchase. Publishers who fail to comply with these requirements could face penalties under state unfair trade practice laws. Ultimately, the legislation aims to modernize how libraries access digital content to better serve their communities.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Feb 8, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development
upper
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about S 2188
Scope: MA
Hi! I can help you understand S 2188. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline