California 2023-2024 Regular Session

California Senate Bill SB321

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/15/23  
Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
3/9/23  
Refer
2/15/23  
Refer
2/15/23  
Refer
3/9/23  
Refer
3/9/23  
Refer
3/22/23  
Refer
4/10/23  
Refer
3/22/23  
Refer
3/22/23  
Refer
4/10/23  
Refer
4/10/23  
Report Pass
4/12/23  
Report Pass
4/12/23  
Refer
4/12/23  
Refer
4/12/23  
Report Pass
5/18/23  
Engrossed
5/22/23  
Report Pass
5/18/23  
Report Pass
5/18/23  
Refer
5/26/23  
Engrossed
5/22/23  
Refer
6/14/23  
Refer
5/26/23  
Refer
5/26/23  
Report Pass
6/29/23  
Refer
6/14/23  
Refer
6/30/23  
Report Pass
6/29/23  
Report Pass
6/29/23  
Report Pass
9/1/23  
Refer
6/30/23  
Refer
6/30/23  
Enrolled
9/7/23  
Report Pass
9/1/23  
Report Pass
9/1/23  
Chaptered
10/8/23  
Enrolled
9/7/23  
Chaptered
10/8/23  
Passed
10/8/23  

Caption

Literacy: libraries: Local Public Library Partnership Program.

Impact

The enactment of SB321 will require local educational agencies and public libraries to establish partnerships aimed at achieving this goal, thereby enhancing community cooperation in literacy promotion. The bill includes provisions for the State Librarian to report annually on the program's progress, which will include statistics on the number of third graders obtaining cards and library usage. This initiative is expected to improve literacy rates, responding to data indicating the urgent need for such support in light of California's historically low literacy outcomes.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 321, also known as the Local Public Library Partnership Program, establishes procedures to enhance literacy among school-age children in California by ensuring access to public libraries. The bill mandates that the State Librarian coordinate with local public libraries to ensure that every pupil is issued a student success card by the time they enter the third grade. This card will facilitate access to library services and resources that support both academic and recreational reading, which is crucial in fostering literacy in young students.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill is generally positive, as it seeks to address critical educational gaps in literacy among young learners, particularly in vulnerable communities. Supporters argue that access to library resources is vital for self-education and lifelong learning. However, some concerns were raised about the potential financial burdens placed on local libraries and educational institutions due to the mandates set forth in the legislation.

Contention

Notable points of contention stem from concerns over the execution and funding of the initiative. The bill imposes state-mandated costs on local libraries and educational agencies, leading some stakeholders to worry about the sufficiency of state reimbursement mechanisms. Furthermore, as libraries and schools vary widely in capacity and resources, ensuring equitable access to library services across diverse communities remains a significant challenge.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA S2421

"Freedom to Read Act"; establishes requirements for library material in public school libraries and public libraries; protects school library staff members and librarians.

CA A3446

"Freedom to Read Act"; establishes requirements for library material in public school libraries and public libraries; protects school library staff members and librarians.

CA AB2465

Pupil instruction: third-grade literacy: literacy grant program.

CA SB1025

Libraries: student success cards.

CA AB2064

State Library: media literacy.

CA SB208

Requiring local school boards and public libraries to adopt curation policies.

CA HCR188

Urging The Department Of Education To Ensure That School Libraries And School Library Media Centers Are Staffed With Licensed School Librarians And Licensed School Library Media Specialists.

CA HR168

Urging The Department Of Education To Ensure That School Libraries And School Library Media Centers Are Staffed With Licensed School Librarians And Licensed School Library Media Specialists.

CA SB01271

An Act Concerning School And Public Libraries.

CA HR23

Commends the state's libraries, librarians, and library staffers and encourages the celebration of National Library Week, April 10-16, 2011

Similar Bills

CA AB2465

Pupil instruction: third-grade literacy: literacy grant program.

CA AB1684

Pupil literacy: statewide professional learning infrastructure.

CA SB1329

Elementary and secondary education: omnibus.

CA AB279

School libraries: model library standards.

CA SB872

Pupil enrollment: class size: report.

CA AB486

Elementary and secondary education: omnibus bill.