I oppose this bill.
HB666
House · 2025 sessionRepublicanKilled in SenateLibrary record privacy penalties
AIAdds restitution payments and penalties for violations of the confidentiality of library use records and expands the confidentiality protections to include library cards and membership status.
relative to adding restitution payment for violations of the confidentiality of the library use records and adding library cards and membership status to the list of confidential matters.
Status
Killed in the Senate — Inexpedient to Legislate · May 8, 2025- ✓Introduced
- ✓House
- ✕Senate
- Governor
- Law
Division of testimony
15 submissionsThis is no public good associated with this bill. It's an unwarranted and unnecessary attack on public libraries.
I oppose this Bill
What public trust does this bill serve? Someone pointing out that a library card is nonexistent, or invalid, and then being punished to pay $500 restitution, along with a notarized letter of apology does not seem like a fair restitution. Should the person fail to comply, would this legislation then make that person guilty of a class B Misdemeanor and subjected to a criminal record simply for pointing out the status of a library card? Are there other laws of similar consequence (hunting and fishing licenses, driver’s license, seasonal passes, membership to the NRA)? The libraries would be the ones forced to arrange for compliance. Would libraries be forced to spend additional tax payer funds to have a consultation area similar to pharmacies to discuss the status of a library card and be compliant? Does the cost of providing this area, for when such conversations have to be had, justify the additional resources needed to be compliant? This bill and the penalty required of it serves no purpose to the public. If anyone used a library, especially in New Hampshire, patrons are often known to each other. Such a bill only introduces unnecessary penalties, further division, and is yet another senseless attack on librarians in our state. Thank you for your time. Respectfully Submitted, Michael R. Berry
This is a waste of time. No. Please find something else to work on. Never in the history of librarians have they been interested enough to leak who's checking out books. It's a library.
Position recorded without written comment.
Position recorded without written comment.
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Position recorded without written comment.