What's happening
This bill updates the definition of "public library" for dormitory authority purposes to include any library chartered by the Board of Regents or incorporated as a not-for-profit.
Why it matters
Expands eligibility for state-backed financing. By broadening the definition of “public library,” more libraries (including those simply chartered by the Board of Regents or incorporated as nonprofits) can access Dormitory Authority funding for construction, renovation, or other capital projects.
Levels the playing field for library types. The change ensures that not just municipal or association libraries, but also other non-profit and Regent-chartered libraries, have equal access to state resources, potentially addressing disparities in library infrastructure and service quality.
Preserves existing commitments. The bill explicitly protects the status and bond arrangements of libraries previously covered under the old law, ensuring that existing projects and financial agreements are not disrupted by the new definition.
May encourage library development and modernization. With more libraries eligible for Dormitory Authority support, communities may see improved or new library facilities, supporting broader educational and informational access.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Broaden Public Library Definition
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
- Returned to senate
- Died in assembly
- Referred to libraries and education technology
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 62–0
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.1296
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5303
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
March 20, 2017
Introduced by Sen. RITCHIE -- (at request of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York) -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the powers and duties of the dormitory authority
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 32 of section 1676 of the public authorities law, as added by chapter 672 of the laws of 1993, is amended to read as follows:
32. The term "public library" shall mean [those libraries set forth in section five of the chapter of the laws of nineteen hundred ninety-three which added this subdivision, as defined as] any library chartered by the state board of regents or incorporated under the not-for-profit corporation law constituting a public library [or as], an association library [pursuant to] or a free library as defined in section two hundred fifty-three of the education law.
§ 2. This act shall not affect the status as a "public library" for purposes of title 4 of article 8 of the public authorities law of those libraries set forth in section 5 of chapter 672 of the laws of 1993, as amended from time to time prior to the effective date of this act, nor shall this act impair the validity of bonds heretofore issued by the dormitory authority for the benefit of any such library.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD10000-02-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the powers and duties of the dormitory authority
Purpose
The bill would authorize the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York ("DASNY") to provide financing and construction services for public libraries chartered by the Board of Regents or incorporated under the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 of the bill would amend the existing definition of "public library" in Public Authorities Law ("PAL") § 1676(32) to include any library chartered by the state Board of Regents or incorporated under the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law constituting a public library, an association library or a free library as defined in Education Law § 253.
Section 2 of the bill would clarify that the bill does not affect those libraries defined as "public libraries" under the prior version of PAL § 1676(32), nor does it impair the validity of bonds previously issued by DASNY for any such library.
Section 3 of the bill would make it effective immediately.
Justification
The bill would extend DASNY financing and construction authorization to all libraries chartered by the Board of Regents or incorporated under the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, as opposed to only those libraries which obtain special legislation. Libraries continue to approach DASNY in increasing numbers seeking DASNY's financing and construction management services, but DASNY is able to assist only after legislation is enacted to add the library to those named in L.1993 c.672 - a process which can be challenging and time-consuming.
Legislative history
The bill was passed the Senate in 2016 (S.7358).
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.