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HB 7606

AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- LIBRARY EBOOK CONTRACTS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Carson and 6 co-sponsors

Rhode Island law would govern library ebook and audiobook licenses, prohibiting restrictive terms and requiring fair loan terms, pricing, and interlibrary sharing.

06/24/2026 Effective without Governor's signature
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Bill Summary · HB 7606

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes rules governing contracts between Rhode Island libraries and publishers/aggregators for licensing electronic books (e-books) and digital audiobooks.
  • Aims to remedy issues in library ebook licensing by ensuring Rhode Island law directly governs these contracts, drawing on state laws addressing unconscionable licensing terms and consumer protection.
  • Seeks to promote libraries’ ability to provide open, non-discriminatory access to digital materials.

Key provisions and changes

  • ## 6-13.4-1. Definitions
    • Clarifies terms used in the chapter, including:
    • Aggregator, Borrower, Digital audiobook, Electronic book, Electronic literary materials, Libraries, Literary monograph, Loan, Loan period, Portable electronic device, Publisher, Reasonable terms, Technological protection measures, and Virtually.
  • ## 6-13.4-2. Contracts between libraries and publishers
    • Rhode Island law governs contracts to license electronic materials to the public in the state.
    • Prohibits contract terms that would:
    • Preclude or restrict libraries from licensing electronic materials or using technological protection measures, or creating non-public preservation copies, or lending via interlibrary loan.
    • Prohibits terms that would restrict:
    • Lending electronic materials to borrowers, setting loan periods, imposing higher prices for libraries than the public, limiting the number of licenses, requiring per-circulation fees, restricting total loan counts or license duration (unless a perpetual public-use option is offered at a reasonable price), or restricting virtual display/recitation of content.
    • Prohibits libraries from being forced to reveal license terms to other libraries.
    • Prohibits coercing libraries to violate confidentiality of patron records.
  • ## 6-13.4-3. Remedies
    • Unfair/deceptive practices include:
    • Prohibited license provisions constitute unfair competition or deceptive acts.
    • Existing Rhode Island consumer protection remedies apply.
    • Enforcement can be pursued by libraries, library officers, borrowers, or the attorney general; enforcement is conditioned on the Attorney General’s notice that at least two other states have enacted similar laws and that those states collectively have a population of at least 10 million.
    • Courts may enjoin enforcement of license terms that include prohibited provisions.
    • Licenses containing prohibited terms are deemed unconscionable under Rhode Island law and unenforceable; waivers of these provisions are void.
  • ## 6-13.4-4. Severability
    • Provisions are severable; invalidity of one part does not invalidate the rest.
  • ## 6-13.4-5. Existing contracts
    • The act does not affect contracts already in force between libraries and vendors/aggregators.
  • ## Section 3. Effective date
    • Takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Rhode Island libraries (public, academic, school, and related library consortia) that license electronic books and digital audiobooks.
  • Publishers and aggregators that license digital materials to Rhode Island libraries.
  • Patrons and borrowers, whose access terms may be more favorable and transparent.
  • Rhode Island Attorney General, for enforcement and interjurisdictional coordination requiring confirmation of similar laws in other states.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The act is enforceable only after the Rhode Island Attorney General confirms that at least two other states have enacted enforceable limits on library e-book licensing terms and that those states’ combined population meets the specified threshold (10 million). This creates a conditional enforcement trigger based on regional parity.
  • Immediate effect is upon passage for all other provisions; enforcement readiness depends on the inter-state condition.
  • Currently scheduled for consideration and has seen committee activity and substituted measures in process.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Strengthens protections for libraries to negotiate favorable terms (e.g., loan periods, pricing, license counts, per-circulation fees, and interlibrary loan capabilities).
  • May limit licensors’ ability to impose restrictive terms that hamper library access or raise costs disproportionately for libraries.
  • Encourages transparency in licensing and discourages terms that compromise patron confidentiality or educational utility.
  • The conditional enforcement trigger means practical impact may depend on legal developments in other states and regional cooperation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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