House Bill No. 6958 seeks to protect publicly funded libraries in Connecticut by making certain terms in electronic book and digital audiobook license agreements unenforceable. Effective July 1, 2026, the bill prohibits libraries from entering into or renewing contracts with publishers that impose restrictions on their operational functions, such as limiting the ability to loan electronic literary materials, restricting the number of loans, or imposing unreasonable limitations on contract duration. The bill also allows libraries to create nonpublic preservation copies and share contract terms with other libraries, while still permitting reasonable technological protections.

The legislation introduces new definitions for terms like "electronic literary material," "digital audiobook," and "library," and clarifies the loaning process for electronic materials, including the deletion of copies after the loan period. By disallowing restrictive clauses in licensing agreements, the bill aims to reduce costs for publicly funded libraries and improve access to electronic materials for borrowers. It also outlines permissible terms, such as limiting simultaneous access or requiring technological measures for access control, ensuring that libraries can effectively serve their communities without being hindered by unfavorable contractual obligations.