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History
- Substituted by A113A
- Ordered to third reading cal.1339
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- Print number 4101a
- Amend (t) and recommit to finance
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Relates to the public library construction grant program
Signed by Governor · Sponsor Amy Paulin
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S4101A
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to the public library construction grant program; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
Purpose
This legislation would amend section 273-a of the education law to enable more public libraries to utilize the state construction grant program.
Summary of provisions
Section one amends 273-a of the education law. Subdivision one of section 273-a is amended to include the acquisition of vacant land within the scope of construction projects that shall receive state aid. Subdivision one is amended further to allow libraries that serve economically disadvantaged communities to be eligible to receive state aid for up to seventy-five percent of the approved total project costs, provided that the state liability for aid paid pursuant to this section shall be limited to funds appropriated for such purpose.
Subdivisions two and three of section 273-a are amended to require that applications submitted which request state aid in an amount greater than fifty percent must submit documentation demonstrating how the project will address the service needs of one or more economically disadvantaged communities. In approving any application that would receive state aid beyond fifty percent of the total project costs, the board of trustees of the library system shall give particular attention to addressing the library service needs of economically disadvantaged communities.
A new subdivision 7 is added to require the commissioner to submit a report.
Justification
The Public Library construction Grant program currently provides $14 million in bonded funds to public libraries and library systems throughout the state for renovation and construction projects. The matching requirements of 50/50 are too onerous for libraries in high-needs areas of the state to meet. This legislation would lower the matching threshold to 75/25 for public libraries in economically disadvantaged communities, making it easier for these libraries to receive much needed construction grants. This legislation would also permit the funds to be used to purchase vacant land, which is not currently permitted.
Legislative history
Same as S.4248-B of 2009-10 A.6155-D, of 2009-10.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
On the first of April next succeeding the date on which it shall have become law, and shall expire on March 31, 2015.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.