Conn. bill would study library access to e-books

Houses passes bill to study the availability of e-books to Connecticut public libraries

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Lawmakers are calling for a study of the availability of e-books to Connecticut public libraries.

The state House of Representatives voted Tuesday 143-0 to pass a bill requiring the commissioner of consumer protection to report to the General Assembly on the issue by Feb 1.

The bill, which originally called on publishers to offer e-books to libraries at a reasonable price, was amended to reflect lawmakers' concerns about the likelihood of lawsuits.

Rep. David Baram, co-chair of the General Law Committee, said he expected legislation next year to implement the study's recommendations.

The Connecticut Library Association testified in February that some e-book publishers engage in unfair business practices with libraries.

The bill must pass the Senate and be signed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to become law.