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- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to education
- Reported and committed to rules
- Print number 4174a
- Amend and recommit to education
- 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.
Requires distribution of information on obtaining library card and application to all students
In Senate Committee · Finance · Sponsor Robert Reilly
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S4174A
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring school districts to distribute to students in each school building written information about the public library and how to obtain a library card
Purpose
This bill expands access to the New York State public library system by requiring school districts to distribute informational materials to students entering certain grade levels and students new to a particular school and to keep such materials available at all times in a school's library.
Summary of provisions
This bill amends the education law by adding a new section 815 relating to requiring school districts to distribute information on obtaining a library card and a library card application to all students.
Section 1 adds a new section 815 to the education law with subsection (1) that defines key terms.
Subsection (2) requires that school districts disseminate informational materials about the public library. Such information is to be provided by the local library to each school for distribution to students upon his/her entry into kindergarten, grade 6, 9 and to all new students.
Subsection (3) requires that school districts consult with the director of each public library located within the boundaries of the school district.
Subsection (4) requires that the local public library provide sufficient materials to each school.
Subsection (5) waives compliance for school districts that do not have public libraries within their boundaries.
Subsection (6) allows the commissioner to establish rules and regulations to implement these provisions.
Subsection (7) states nothing in this act shall require a school district to expend additional funds in order to comply with the provisions of this section.
Section 2 provides the effective date.
Justification
A public library card provides students with a passport to the world, allowing them to explore the limits of their own imagination. Ensuring that every student has access to our public libraries is a crucial first step in developing a lifelong connection with some of New York's greatest resources. This bill expands learning opportunities by requiring that the Department of Education
distribute an application for a library card, as well as information about the State's public library systems to every kindergartner, sixth grader, and high school freshman as well as all new students. The bill also ensures that applications and information on the public library system are provided in sufficient quantities and made available to students and parents alike in the school's library.
Legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the next September 1 succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.