H 638
An Act to protect library patron privacy
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to protect the privacy of individuals who use library services in Massachusetts. It seeks to limit the sharing of library records and ensure that library patrons’ information is handled confidentially. The legislation focuses on safeguarding personal data collected by public libraries to maintain patron trust and privacy.
Key provisions
- Limits the sharing of library patron records with third parties.
- Requires libraries to notify patrons about data collection practices.
- Establishes guidelines for the secure storage and handling of library records.
- Protects the privacy of individuals using library computers and internet access.
Who is affected
- Library patrons in Massachusetts
- Public libraries in Massachusetts
- Residents of Massachusetts
Notable changes
- Increases transparency regarding library data collection.
- Provides greater control over the use of personal information by libraries.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Jay D. Livingstone
Cosponsors
Adrianne Pusateri Ramos
Jay D. Livingstone
Lindsay N. Sabadosa
Meghan K. Kilcoyne
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.638 194th (Current)
An Act to protect library patron privacy
By Representative Livingstone of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 638) of Jay D. Livingstone, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Adrianne Pusateri Ramos for legislation relative to the privacy of library records. Education.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Jay D. Livingstone Status: Referred to House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill H.638
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Education |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 6/6/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2 |
| 9/25/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling |
| 10/23/2025 | House | Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting |
| 10/23/2025 | House | Rules suspended |
| 10/23/2025 | House | Read second and ordered to a third reading |
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