HB 1508 - AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE

10Mar2016... 0625h

2016 SESSION

16-2646

08/10

HOUSE BILL 1508

AN ACT allowing public libraries to run certain privacy software.

SPONSORS: Rep. Ammon, Hills. 40; Rep. Goulette, Hills. 23; Rep. S. Sweeney, Hills. 23; Rep. Schleien, Hills. 37; Rep. Kurk, Hills. 2; Rep. Aldrich, Belk. 2; Rep. Ferreira, Hills. 28

COMMITTEE: Municipal and County Government

-----------------------------------------------------------------

ANALYSIS

This bill allows public libraries to run certain privacy software.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

10Mar2016... 0625h 16-2646

08/10

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Sixteen

AN ACT allowing public libraries to run certain privacy software.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1  Findings.  The general court is mindful that public libraries, through the American Library Association, have upheld and protected patron privacy as one of their core values since 1939, and mindful that, in a library (physical or virtual), the right to privacy is the right to open inquiry without having the subject of one’s interest examined or scrutinized by others.

2  New Section; Cryptographic Privacy Software.  Amend RSA 202-A by inserting after section 25 the following new section:

202-A:26  Cryptographic Privacy Software.  Public libraries may allow the installation and use of cryptographic privacy platforms on public library computers for library patrons use.  Cryptographic privacy software shall include Tor or other privacy software that encrypts user's information to protect it from surveillance or collection.  Public libraries may also support infrastructure for cryptographic software that helps to promote a free and open Internet, such as running Tor relays.

3  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.