Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR70

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  
Engrossed
4/5/23  

Caption

Urging The United States Congress To Amend Federal Copyright Law To Explicitly Protect Current Lending Practices Of Nonprofit Online Libraries.

Impact

If enacted, the resolution would encourage a shift in federal copyright legislation to explicitly allow nonprofit online libraries to lend digital copies of books without infringing on copyright. This change would safeguard existing lending practices that involve lending digital versions of books while ensuring that the number of digital copies lent does not exceed the hardcopies in the library's inventory. The resolution recognizes the significant role these libraries play in enabling access to knowledge, particularly in a digital age where traditional means of borrowing books may not suffice.

Summary

SCR70 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the United States Congress to amend federal copyright law to protect the lending practices of nonprofit online libraries. It emphasizes the importance of access to publications for fostering an informed populace, which is a cornerstone of democracy. By supporting nonprofit online libraries in maintaining and lending digital versions of books, SCR70 seeks to facilitate broad access to knowledge and educational resources for the public without the constraints imposed by current copyright laws.

Contention

The resolution springs from concerns raised by various publishers about the legality of nonprofit online libraries' lending practices, particularly highlighted by the ongoing case of Hachette Book Group, Inc. v. Internet Archive. An adverse ruling in this case could limit the capacity of nonprofit online libraries to serve their patrons effectively, sparking significant controversy over the balance between copyright protections and public access to books and educational materials. Proponents argue that protecting these lending practices is crucial for maintaining the availability of information, whereas opponents from the publishing industry may view such measures as undermining their rights.

Companion Bills

HI SR63

Same As Urging The United States Congress To Amend Federal Copyright Law To Explicitly Protect Current Lending Practices Of Nonprofit Online Libraries.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR223

Urging The United States Congress To Pass Legislation To Allow Migrants To The United States From Compacts Of Free Association States To Benefit From Federal Emergency Aid.

HI SCR96

Urging The United States Congress To Support Continued Funding Of The Affordable Connectivity Program.

HI SCR109

Urging The United States Congress To Adopt The Social Security 2100 Act.

HI HCR29

Urging The United States Congress To Support Continued Funding Of The Affordable Connectivity Program.

HI HCR54

Urging The United States Congress To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And Members Of Congress.

HI SR199

Urging The United States Congress To Pass Legislation To Allow Migrants To The United States From Compacts Of Free Association States To Benefit From Federal Emergency Aid.

HI SCR196

Applying To The United States Congress To Call An Article V Convention To Propose Certain Limited Amendments To The United States Constitution.

HI SCR131

Requesting Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Urge Congress To Fund Construction Of A Laboratory Certified By The Environmental Protection Agency To Provide Information To The Public On Environmental Toxins In The State.

HI HCR46

Urging The United States Congress To Adopt The Social Security 2100 Act.

HI HCR107

Urging The President Of The United States And United States Congress To Exempt Hawaii From The Jones Act.

Similar Bills

HI SR63

Urging The United States Congress To Amend Federal Copyright Law To Explicitly Protect Current Lending Practices Of Nonprofit Online Libraries.

CA SB456

Contractors: exemptions: muralists.

NV AB258

Enacts certain provisions governing the confidentiality of certain personal information of a donor, member or volunteer of a nonprofit organization. (BDR 19-605)

NV AB197

Enacts provisions strengthening certain protections for certain activities under the First Amendment. (BDR 19-136)

CA AB744

Legislative Counsel: legislative information.

LA HB377

Provides for the Allen Toussaint Legacy Act

US HB791

American Music Fairness Act of 2023

US SB253

American Music Fairness Act