HB 1120-FN-LOCAL – AS INTRODUCED
2006 SESSION
04/01
HOUSE BILL 1120-FN-LOCAL
AN ACT relative to Internet access in public libraries.
COMMITTEE: Science, Technology and Energy
This bill requires public libraries to develop and implement an Internet access policy restricting access by children under age 18 to certain Internet sites.
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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
06-2797
04/01
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Six
AN ACT relative to Internet access in public libraries.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Subdivision; Internet Access in Public Libraries. Amend RSA 571-B by inserting after section 4 the following new subdivision:
Internet Access in Public Libraries
571-B:5 Internet Access Policy Required.
I. All public libraries shall develop and implement an Internet access policy restricting access by children under the age of 18 to Internet sites which contain visual depictions of obscene material as defined in RSA 650:1, child pornography pursuant to RSA 649-A, or sexual activity as defined in RSA 649-A:2, III. The policy shall include the use of an Internet filter or other technological device that protects against access to Internet prohibited material, guidelines for staff enforcement, and a procedure for hearing and resolving complaints concerning observed patron behavior, or the policy itself.
II. The policy shall be developed under the direction of the library trustees or other library governing body and shall be reviewed every 3 years. Notice of the availability of the policy shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the library for all patrons to observe.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
LBAO
06-2797
10/27/05
HB 1120-FN-LOCAL - FISCAL NOTE
AN ACT relative to Internet access in public libraries.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Department of Cultural Resources states this bill will increase state expenditures by an indeterminable amount in FY 2006 and each year thereafter. There will be no fiscal impact on state, county, and local revenue or county and local expenditures.
METHODOLOGY:
The Department states this bill will require them to purchase software for all of the Internet terminals that are housed in public libraries throughout the State. There are currently 738 public access terminals in New Hampshire public libraries. Filters for the Internet cost between $30 and $70 per terminal depending on comprehensiveness and features. Costs could total up to $51,660 per year (738 terminals x $70), and would increase as additional workstations were added.