S 6868 New York Senate · 2023 Regular Session

Protects library access to electronic literary materials

This bill protects libraries in New York by prohibiting restrictive clauses in contracts between publishers and libraries regarding electronic books and audiobooks. It directly affects public, school, academic, and research libraries by ensuring they can license digital materials without limitations on core functions like lending, setting loan periods, or using technological protection measures. The legislation declares contracts containing these prohibited provisions unenforceable and allows libraries or the attorney general to seek legal remedies, including fines, against publishers who violate the rules.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2023
Committee Review
May 2024
Senate Passage
May 2024
Assembly Passage
Governor
Introduced May 12, 2023 Last action Jun 7, 2024
Floor votes · Senate May 30, 2024

How they voted

57–0
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 62
May 30, 2024
D Democratic41
37 Yea 4
90% Yea
R Republican21
20 Yea 1
95% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
16
Key actions
3
Committee
4
Amendments
2
May 30, 2024
Committee
REFERRED TO LIBRARIES AND EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
lower
May 30, 2024
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Apr 10, 2024
Upper · Passed
PRINT NUMBER 6868A
upper
Apr 10, 2024
Upper · Passed
AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO LIBRARIES
upper
Jan 3, 2024
Committee
REFERRED TO LIBRARIES
upper
Jun 10, 2023
Committee
COMMITTED TO RULES
upper
May 12, 2023
Committee
REFERRED TO LIBRARIES
upper
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors

Sponsors