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S4299Senate2015-2016 SessionSame asA8168

Relates to state aid for library construction and infrastructure services

Sponsor Thomas F. O'MaraSD-58+2 co-sponsorsAffects Education
Status
Signed by Governor
Impact
Pending
Outcome
Signed into law

Bill progress

Signed into law

What's happening

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Why it matters

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Who cares

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Sponsors

Primary sponsor
Thomas F. O'Mara

Senator · Senate District 58

Chair, Environmental Conservation

History

  1. Signed chap.480
  2. Delivered to governor
  3. Returned to senate
  4. Passed assembly
  5. Ordered to third reading rules cal.596
  6. Substituted for A8168
  7. Referred to libraries and education technology
  8. Delivered to assembly
  9. Passed senateVote 62–0
  10. Ordered to third reading cal.1363
  11. Committee discharged and committed to rules
  12. 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.

A8168Assembly

Relates to state aid for library construction and infrastructure services

Assembly Floor Calendar · Sponsor Thomas Abinanti

Full text

The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.

Sponsor's memo

BILL NUMBER:S4299

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to state aid for library construction and infrastructure services

Purpose

This bill amends the education law by enabling libraries to utilize state aid for the installation and infrastructure of broadband services. This bill would also increase state aid to libraries.

Summary of provisions

Section one of the bill provides state aid for up to fifty percent of the total project approved costs, excluding feasibility studies, plans or similar activities, for projects for the installation and infrastructure of broadband services. Seventy-Five percent of aid will be provided to libraries that are located in an economically disadvantaged community.

Section two of the bill amends subdivision 1 of section 273-a of the education law allowing for state aid to be granted to libraries for projects such as installation and infrastructure of broadband services based on approval by the Commissioner of Education.

Section three will provide the effective date.

Justification

Currently under the Public Library Construction Grant Program, $14 million is appropriated annually for the purpose of acquisition, construction, renovation, or rehabilitation of public libraries. However, excluded from the grant is aid for the purpose of installing broadband services, this bill would allow for libraries to access these funds for broadband installation. Particularly in rural areas libraries are the number one point of internet access for those that do not have access at home. Libraries are the leading digital literacy educators in New York, a role that will only expand in the coming years. Restoration of library aid is an investment in New York's economic recovery, in the State's educational and cultural infrastructure, in its citizens, and one that will produce a substantial return while making a lasting positive difference for New York State.

Legislative history

New Bill

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.

Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.