By Anne McDonald and Emilie Benoit, Co-Chairs, Government Relations Committee
Several LLNE members have asked why the Rhode Island UELMA bill (H-5415) was withdrawn so early in the session. Emily Feltren, Director of AALL’s Government Relations Office, informs us that, as with each of the past three introductions (2012, 2013, and 2014), the bill was introduced with Lexis as the official publisher, which is a violation of UELMA as approved by the ULC and ABA. As in 2013 and 2014, the bill was withdrawn on February 26, 2015, after these concerns were raised. Emily further informs us that the RI Uniform Law Commissioners have been working with the sponsor to resolve this and also to determine why the bill keeps getting introduced with Lexis as the official publisher.
When/if we learn of any further developments, including plans for reintroduction, we will let you know.
The LLNE Government Relations Committee is providing this information to you to further its Committee charge to keep you apprised of pending legislation which may be of interest to you as an informed law librarian. We will continue to keep the LLNE membership updated on this bill and any others that impact law libraries and information policy in the New England states.