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Rhode IslandS25252026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: Mark P. McKenney (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Libraries can keep lending ebooks

The law bars ebook and digital audiobook contracts that stop libraries from doing normal library work. Libraries can lend to borrowers, set the loan period, make preservation copies, and use interlibrary loan. Libraries cannot be forced to pay more than public prices or to break patron‑privacy laws. Contracts cannot require per‑loan fees unless that costs substantially less than buying, or cap loans or time unless a fair‑priced perpetual license is offered. These rules apply to new contracts.

Enforcement starts after multi-state trigger

Offering a license with banned terms is an unfair or deceptive act under Rhode Island law. Libraries, library officers, borrowers, and the attorney general can ask a court to block or void those terms. Any waiver of these rights is void. The law takes effect now, but enforcement starts only after the attorney general announces that at least two other states pass similar laws and together have at least 10,000,000 people.

RI law governs new library licenses

Rhode Island law now governs contracts that libraries sign for ebooks and digital audiobooks. Existing contracts stay in force under their current terms. The new rules apply when libraries sign new agreements.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mark P. McKenney

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Hanna M. Gallo

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matthew L. LaMountain

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melissa A. Murray

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lori Urso

    Democratic • Senate

  • Samuel D. Zurier

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 74 • No: 1

Senate vote • 6/10/2026

RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- LIBRARY EBOOK CONTRACTS Passage as Amended Passage

Yes: 37 • No: 1

Senate vote • 6/10/2026

RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- LIBRARY EBOOK CONTRACTS Approval of Amendment Passage

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature — Chapter 343

    6/24/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. House passed Sub A as amended in concurrence

    6/11/2026House

  4. Placed on the House Consent Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/10/2026House

  5. Senate passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)

    6/10/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/4/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/4/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/3/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/04/2026)

    6/2/2026

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/4/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2026)

    2/27/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to Senate Education

    2/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2525 - As Introduced

    2/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2525 - Substitute

    2/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2525 - Substitute As Amended

    2/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

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