The ledes (and videos) in media reports on AB 609: Libraries, collection agencies, and delinquent accounts

Not guaranteed to be a complete accounting.

Overdue fines? Bill would allow libraries to use collections agencies. (Madison.com, 12/9/2015)

Public library users, listen up!  A bill at the state Capitol [AB609] aims to get library users to pay up on their overdue book fines.

Legislation Would Let Libraries Get Tough On Overdue Items.  (Wisconsin Public Radio, 1/14/2016)

Wisconsin libraries are toughening up on overdue items. A new bill under consideration at the state Capitol would allow libraries to use collection agencies and the police to get overdue books back on the shelves.

Collection agencies may start dealing with library dues.  (NBC26, 1/15/2016)

A new bill being considered in Wisconsin would make overdue library items that exceed $50 go directly to a collection agency. NBC26 explains why the state is turning a page towards a new way of getting their products back.

Committee OKs bill expanding library powers.  (Racine Journal-Times, 1/26/2016)

Beware, overdue book borrowers. Wisconsin lawmakers are thinking about sending out the library police.

This AP story with a Todd Richmond byline is also found at:

• Press of Atlantic City
• Daily Progress, Charlottesville, Virginia
• Richmond Times-Dispatch
• Washington Times
• Wisconsin State Journal (print edition, 1/31/2016)

Committee OKs bill expanding library power.  (WMTN, 1/26/2016)

A legislative committee has approved a bill that would allow libraries to use the police and collection agencies to reclaim overdue materials and collect fines.

This AP story with no byline is also found at:

• Star-Tribune 
• Sun Prairie Star

Bill gives Wisconsin public libraries power to report delinquent borrowers.  (Badger Herald, 1/27/2016)

A proposed bill would tighten the grip on delinquent book borrowers by allowing Wisconsin public libraries to report them to collection agencies and police officials.

Just goes to show how much the media loves a library overdues story. 

Related posts:
Paying dearly for the privilege at the Copperas Cove Public Library.  (12/27/2013)
Dom Giordano, a little perspective is overdue at AM 1210.  (5/15/2013)
If this book is returned 50 years from now, it will be even bigger news!!  (2/17/2013)
[Yaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnn] It's another long-overdue library book story.  (2/8/2013)  ("Library Book Borrowed in 1958 is Finally Returned")
Proposed changes lead to some patron panic, misinformation at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. (9/6/2012)
You receive smiles when returning overdue materials at the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library.  (7/9/2012)
You can run but you can't hide: The library reciprocal borrowing version.  (7/5/2012)
The Case of the Pertinacious Patron.  (4/1/2012)
Woman runs up big overdues charges at the Niederkorn Library.  (12/19/2011)
Busted for overdue materials at the Newton Public Library.  (9/19/2011)
Aphorism alert at the Houston Chronicle (Story about the Houston Public Library's delinquency database).  (8/28/2011)
The Mother of all overdue library book stories.  (5/13/2011)
(It's not me who) Can't get enough of those long overdue library book stories.  (3/1/2011)
Source of today's "major" library news story (about 2400 results).  (1/24/2011)
Another long overdue library book story, another serving of catnip to the media.  (12/9/2010)
Reference question of the day: Is there an extradition treaty between the U.S. and Taiwan?  (9/14/2010)
Apparently, folks love these long-overdue library book stories.  (9/12/2010)
Kickin' it up a notch to retrieve long overdue library materials.  (3/11/2010)
Libraries loosen up their overdue policies.  (12/29/2009)
Library book returned 99 years late.  (12/16/2009)
54 years overdue, but $1,750 fine forgiven.  (12/14/2009)
2 overdue books + 1 missed court date = arrest.  (10/27/2009)