Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB785 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 129
2	1
3		-	– 1 –
4		-	Chapter 129
5		-	(House Bill 785)
6	2
7		-	AN ACT concerning
	3	+	EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
	4	+	[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
	5	+	Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
	6	+	Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
	7	+	amendment.
	8	+	Italics indicate opposite chamber/conference committee amendments.
	9	+	hb0785
8	10
9		-	Freedom to Read Act
	11	+	HOUSE BILL 785
	12	+	F5 EMERGENCY BILL (4lr0417)
	13	+	ENROLLED BILL
	14	+	— Ways and Means/Education, Energy, and the Environment —
	15	+	Introduced by Delegates D. Jones, A. Jones, Atterbeary, Ebersole, and Wilkins
	16	+	Wilkins, Fair, Feldmark, Grossman, Mireku –North, Palakovich Carr, and
	17	+	Wu
10	18
11		-	FOR the purpose of establishing a State policy that local school systems operate their school
12		-	library media programs consistent with certain standards; requiring each local
13		-	school system to develop a policy and procedures to review objections to materials in
14		-	a school library media program; prohibiting a county board of education from taking
15		-	certain actions against certain school library media program personnel for
16		-	performing their job duties consistent with certain standards; establishing the State
17		-	standards for libraries for the operation of each library that receives funding from
18		-	the State; altering the duties of the State Library Board, the State Library Agency,
19		-	and regional resource centers to incorporate the State standards for libraries;
20		-	making funding for certain libraries contingent on adoption of a written policy for
21		-	operation of the library consistent with the State standards for libraries; requiring
22		-	the State Librarian to authorize the State Comptroller to withhold funding from
23		-	libraries under certain circumstances; prohibiting county boards of education and
24		-	the governing bodies of certain libraries from retaliating against employees for
25		-	acting in a manner performing their job duties consistent with the State standards
26		-	for libraries under certain circumstances; requiring a certain action involving the
27		-	property of a library to be committed knowingly in order to be considered a crime;
28		-	altering the maximum fine for a certain crime involving the property of a library;
29		-	and generally relating to the establishment of the State policies and standards for
30		-	libraries in the State.
	19	+	Read and Examined by Proofreaders:
31	20
32		-	BY adding to
33		-	Article – Education
34		-	Section 4–142 and 23–102.1
35		-	Annotated Code of Maryland
36		-	(2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
	21	+	_______________________________________________
	22	+	Proofreader.
	23	+	_______________________________________________
	24	+	Proofreader.
37	25
38		-	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
39		-	Article – Education
40		-	Section 23–101, 23–105, 23–106, 23–202, 23–202.1, 23–205, 23–406, 23–408, 23–503,
41		-	23–506, and 23–507
42		-	Annotated Code of Maryland
43		-	(2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
	26	+	Sealed with the Great Seal and presented to the Governor, for his approval this
44	27
45		-	SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
46		-	That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
	28	+	_______ day of _______________ at ________________________ o’clock, ________M.
47	29
48		-	~~Article – Education~~
49		-	~~Ch. 129 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND~~
	30	+	______________________________________________
	31	+	Speaker.
50	32
51		-	– 2 –
52		-	4–142.
	33	+	CHAPTER ______
53	34
54		-	(A) IN THIS SECTION , “STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES” HAS THE
55		-	MEANING STATED IN § 23–101 OF THIS ARTICLE.
	35	+	AN ACT concerning 1
56	36
57		-	(A) IT IS THE POLICY OF T HE STATE THAT EACH LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM
58		-	OPERATE ITS SCHOOL L IBRARY MEDIA PROGRAM CONSIS TENT WITH THE
59		-	FOLLOWING STANDARDS :
	37	+	Freedom to Read Act 2
60	38
61		-	(1) THE MATERIALS , SERVICES, AND RESOURCES PROVID ED IN A
62		-	SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRAM ARE PROVIDED FOR THE INTEREST ,
63		-	INFORMATION , AND INSTRUCTIONAL SU PPORT OF STUDENTS AN D SCHOOL
64		-	PERSONNEL OF THE SC HOOLS THE PROGRAM SE RVES;
	39	+	FOR the purpose of establishing a State policy that local school systems operate their school 3
	40	+	library media programs consistent with certain standards; requiring each local 4
	41	+	school system to develop a policy and procedures to review objections to materials in 5
	42	+	a school library media program; prohibiting a county board of education from taking 6
	43	+	certain actions against certain school library media program personnel for 7
	44	+	performing their job duties consistent with certain standards; establishing the State 8
	45	+	standards for libraries for the operation of each library that receives funding from 9
	46	+	the State; altering the duties of the State Library Board, the State Library Agency, 10
	47	+	and regional resource centers to incorporate the State standards for libraries; 11
	48	+	making funding for certain libraries contingent on adoption of a written policy for 12
	49	+	operation of the library consistent with the State standards for libraries; requiring 13 2 HOUSE BILL 785
65	50
66		-	(2) MATERIALS MAY NOT BE EXCLUDED FROM A SCHO OL LIBRARY
67		-	MEDIA PROGRAM SOLELY BECAUSE OF THE ORIGI N, BACKGROUND , OR VIEWS OF
68		-	THE INDIVIDUAL WHO C REATED THE MATERIAL ; AND
69	51
70		-	(3) MATERIALS MAY NOT BE EXCLUDED OR REMOVED FROM THE
71		-	CATALOGUE OF A SCHOO L LIBRARY MEDIA PROG RAM BECAUSE OF PARTI SAN,
72		-	IDEOLOGICAL, OR RELIGIOUS DISAPPR OVAL;
	52	+	the State Librarian to authorize the State Comptroller to withhold funding from 1
	53	+	libraries under certain circumstances; prohibiting county boards of education and 2
	54	+	the governing bodies of certain libraries from retaliating against employees for 3
	55	+	acting in a manner performing their job duties consistent with the State standards 4
	56	+	for libraries under certain circumstances; requiring a certain action involving the 5
	57	+	property of a library to be committed knowingly in order to be considered a crime; 6
	58	+	altering the maximum fine for a certain crime involving the property of a library; 7
	59	+	and generally relating to the establishment of the State policies and standards for 8
	60	+	libraries in the State. 9
73	61
74		-	(4) THE RIGHT TO USE A SC HOOL LIBRARY BELONGS TO ALL
75		-	STUDENTS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL SERVED BY THE LIBRARY AND THAT RIGHT
76		-	SHOULD NOT BE DENIED OR HINDERED BECAUSE OF AN IN DIVIDUAL’S ORIGIN,
77		-	BACKGROUND , OR VIEWS;
	62	+	BY adding to 10
	63	+	Article – Education 11
	64	+	Section 4–142 and 23–102.1 12
	65	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 13
	66	+	(2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 14
78	67
79		-	(5) A SCHOOL LIBRARY SHOUL D MAKE ITS PUBLIC SP ACES AND
80		-	FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO ALL STUDENTS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL ON AN
81		-	EQUITABLE BASIS ; AND
	68	+	BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 15
	69	+	Article – Education 16
	70	+	Section 23–101, 23–105, 23–106, 23–202, 23–202.1, 23–205, 23–406, 23–408, 23–503, 17
	71	+	23–506, and 23–507 18
	72	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 19
	73	+	(2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 20
82	74
83		-	(6) A SCHOOL LIBRARY SHOUL D HONOR THE RIGHT OF PRIVACY OF
84		-	EACH STUDENT AND EAC H SCHOOL EMPLOYEE WH O USES ITS SERVICES AND MUST
85		-	PROTECT PERSONAL DAT A AND INFORMATION .
	75	+	SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 21
	76	+	That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 22
86	77
87		-	(B) (1) EACH LOCAL SCHOOL SYS TEM SHALL DEVELOP AN D IMPLEMENT
88		-	A POLICY AND PROCEDU RES TO REVIEW OBJECT IONS TO MATERIALS IN THE SCHOOL
89		-	LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRAM .
	78	+	Article – Education 23
90	79
91		-	(2) THE POLICY AND PROCED URES DEVELOPED UNDER PARAGRAPH
92		-	(1) OF THIS SUBSECTION S HALL:
93		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 129
	80	+	4–142. 24
94	81
95		-	– 3 –
96		-	(I) ESTABLISH A UNIFORM P ROCESS TO SUBMIT AN OBJECTION
97		-	TO MATERIALS IN A SC HOOL LIBRARY MEDIA P ROGRAM BY A STUDENT , PARENT OR
98		-	GUARDIAN OF A STUD ENT ENROLLED IN A SC HOOL IN THE LOCAL SC HOOL SYSTEM ,
99		-	OR SCHOOL PERSONNEL ;
	82	+	(A) IN THIS SECTION , “STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES” HAS THE 25
	83	+	MEANING STATED IN § 23–101 OF THIS ARTICLE. 26
100	84
101		-	(II) ~~REQUIRE MATERIALS UND ER REVIEW DUE TO AN~~
102		-	~~OBJECTION TO REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR USE BY STUDENTS AND~~ SCHOOL
103		-	~~PERSONNEL UNTIL THE REVIEW PROCESS HAS C ONCLUDED; AND~~
	85	+	(A) IT IS THE POLICY OF T HE STATE THAT EACH LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM 27
	86	+	OPERATE ITS SCHOOL L IBRARY MEDIA PROGRAM CONSISTENT WITH THE 28
	87	+	FOLLOWING STANDARDS : 29
104	88
105		-	(III) ESTABLISH A REASONABL E TIMELINE TO CONDUC T AND
106		-	CONCLUDE THE REVIEW PROCESS IN A TIMELY MANNER.
	89	+	(1) THE MATERIALS , SERVICES, AND RESOURCES PROVID ED IN A 30
	90	+	SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRAM ARE PROVIDED FOR TH E INTEREST , 31
	91	+	INFORMATION , AND INSTRUCTIONAL SU PPORT OF STUDENTS AN D SCHOOL 32
	92	+	PERSONNEL OF THE SCH OOLS THE PROGRAM SER VES; 33
107	93
108		-	(B) (C) A COUNTY BOARD MAY NOT DISMISS, DEMOTE, SUSPEND,
109		-	DISCIPLINE, REASSIGN, TRANSFER, OR OTHERWISE RETALIA TE AGAINST A
110		-	LIBRARIAN OR, A CERTIFIED LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST, OR SCHOOL LIBRARY
111		-	MEDIA PROGRAM SUPPOR T STAFF EMPLOYED BY A COUNTY BOARD MAY NOT BE
112		-	DISMISSED, DEMOTED, SUSPENDED, DISCIPLINED, REASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED , OR
113		-	OTHERWISE RETALIATED AGAINST FOR ACTING I N A MANNER FOR PERFORMING
114		-	THEIR JOB DUTIES CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES
115		-	STANDARDS DESCRIBED UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION.
	94	+	(2) MATERIALS MAY NOT BE EXCLUDED FROM A SCHO OL LIBRARY 34
	95	+	MEDIA PROGRAM SOLELY BECAUSE OF THE ORIGI N, BACKGROUND , OR VIEWS OF 35
	96	+	THE INDIVIDUAL WHO CREATED THE MATERIAL; AND 36
	97	+	HOUSE BILL 785 3
116	98
117		-	23–101.
118	99
119		-	(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
	100	+	(3) MATERIALS MAY NOT BE EXCLUDED OR REMOVED FROM THE 1
	101	+	CATALOGUE OF A SCHOO L LIBRARY MEDIA PROG RAM BECAUSE OF PARTI SAN, 2
	102	+	IDEOLOGICAL, OR RELIGIOUS DISAPPR OVAL; 3
120	103
121		-	(b) “Print disabled individual” means an individual who cannot effectively read
122		-	print because of a visual, physical, perceptual, developmental, cognitive, or learning
123		-	disability.
	104	+	(4) THE RIGHT TO USE A SC HOOL LIBRARY BELONGS TO ALL 4
	105	+	STUDENTS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL SERVED BY THE LIBRARY AND THAT RIGHT 5
	106	+	SHOULD NOT BE DENIED OR HINDERED BECAUSE OF AN INDIVIDUAL ’S ORIGIN, 6
	107	+	BACKGROUND , OR VIEWS; 7
124	108
125		-	(c) “State Library Agency” means the Maryland State Library Agency.
	109	+	(5) A SCHOOL LIBRARY SHOUL D MAKE ITS PUBLIC SP ACES AND 8
	110	+	FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO ALL STUDENTS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL ON AN 9
	111	+	EQUITABLE BASIS ; AND 10
126	112
127		-	(d) “State Library Board” means the Maryland State Library Board.
	113	+	(6) A SCHOOL LIBRARY SHOUL D HONOR THE RIGHT OF PRIVACY OF 11
	114	+	EACH STUDENT AND EAC H SCHOOL EMPLOYEE WH O USES ITS SERVICES AND MUST 12
	115	+	PROTECT PERSONAL DAT A AND INFORMATION . 13
128	116
129		-	(E) “STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES” MEANS THE PHILOSOPHY FOR THE
130		-	OPERATION OF A LIBRA RY THAT ADHERES TO T HE STANDARDS ENUMERA TED IN §
131		-	23–102.1(A) OF THIS SUBTITLE STANDARDS FOR THE CO NSISTENT AND EQUITAB LE
132		-	OPERATION OF A LIBRA RY THAT SERVE ALL CI TIZENS OF THE STATE AS
133		-	ESTABLISHED UNDER § 23–102.1(B) OF THIS SUBTITLE.
	117	+	(B) (1) EACH LOCAL SCHOOL SYS TEM SHALL DE VELOP AND IMPLEMENT 14
	118	+	A POLICY AND PROCEDU RES TO REVIEW OBJECT IONS TO MATERIALS IN THE SCHOOL 15
	119	+	LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRA M. 16
134	120
135		-	23–102.1.
	121	+	(2) THE POLICY AND PROCED URES DEVELOPED UNDER PARAGRAPH 17
	122	+	(1) OF THIS SUBSECTION S HALL: 18
136	123
137		-	(A) (1) IN THIS SECTION, “LIBRARY” INCLUDES:
	124	+	(I) ESTABLISH A UNIFORM P ROCESS TO SUBMIT AN OBJECTION 19
	125	+	TO MATERIALS IN A SC HOOL LIBRARY MEDIA P ROGRAM BY A STUDENT , PARENT OR 20
	126	+	GUARDIAN OF A STUDEN T ENROLLED IN A SCHO OL IN THE LOCAL SCHO OL SYSTEM, 21
	127	+	OR SCHOOL PERSONNEL ; 22
138	128
139		-	(I) THE STATE LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER; Ch. 129 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	129	+	(II) REQUIRE MATERIALS UND ER REVIEW DUE TO AN 23
	130	+	OBJECTION TO REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR USE BY STUDENTS AND SCHOOL 24
	131	+	PERSONNEL UNTIL THE REVIEW PROCESS HAS C ONCLUDED; AND 25
140	132
141		-	– 4 –
	133	+	(III) ESTABLISH A REASONABL E TIMELINE TO CONDUC T AND 26
	134	+	CONCLUDE THE REVIEW PROCESS IN A TIMELY MANNER. 27
142	135
143		-	(II) A REGIONAL RESOURCE CE NTER;
	136	+	(B) (C) A COUNTY BOARD MAY NOT DISMISS, DEMOTE, SUSPEND, 28
	137	+	DISCIPLINE, REASSIGN, TRANSFER, OR OTHERWISE RETALIA TE AGAINST A 29
	138	+	LIBRARIAN OR, A CERTIFIED LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST , OR SCHOOL LIBRARY 30
	139	+	MEDIA PROGRAM SUPPOR T STAFF EMPLOYED BY A COUNTY BOARD MAY NOT BE 31
	140	+	DISMISSED, DEMOTED, SUSPENDED, DISCIPLINED, REASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED , OR 32
	141	+	OTHERWISE RETALIATED AGAINST FOR ACTING I N A MANNER FOR PERFORMING 33
	142	+	THEIR JOB DUTIES CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES 34
	143	+	STANDARDS DESCRIBED UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION. 35 4 HOUSE BILL 785
144	144
145		-	(III) A CORRECTIONAL FACILIT Y LIBRARY;
146	145
147		-	(IV) A COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTE M AND THE ENOCH PRATT FREE
148		-	LIBRARY IN BALTIMORE;
149	146
150		-	(V) THE MARYLAND STATE LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND AND
151		-	PRINT DISABLED;
	147	+	23–101. 1
152	148
153		-	(VI) THE ~~MARYLAND DEAF CULTURE DIGITAL LIBRARY;~~ ~~AND~~
	149	+	(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. 2
154	150
155		-	(VII) A METROPOLITAN COOPERA TIVE SERVICE PROGRAM .
	151	+	(b) “Print disabled individual” means an individual who cannot effectively read 3
	152	+	print because of a visual, physical, perceptual, developmental, cognitive, or learning 4
	153	+	disability. 5
156	154
157		-	(2) “LIBRARY” DOES NOT INCLUDE A S CHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA
158		-	PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY A LOCAL SCHOOL SY STEM.
	155	+	(c) “State Library Agency” means the Maryland State Library Agency. 6
159	156
160		-	(B) IT IS THE GOAL POLICY OF THE STATE THAT EACH LIBRA RY IS
161		-	OPERATED SHALL OPERATE IN A MANNER THAT RECOGNIZES CONSISTENT WITH
162		-	THE FOLLOWING STANDA RDS:
	157	+	(d) “State Library Board” means the Maryland State Library Board. 7
163	158
164		-	(1) LIBRARY MATERIALS , SERVICES, AND RESOURCES EXIST AND
165		-	SHOULD BE PROVIDED F OR THE INTEREST , INFORMATION , AND ENLIGHTENMENT
166		-	OF ALL PERSONS THE L IBRARY SERVES ;
	159	+	(E) “STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES” MEANS THE PHILOSOPHY FOR THE 8
	160	+	OPERATION OF A LIBRA RY THAT ADHERES TO T HE STANDARDS ENUMERA TED IN § 9
	161	+	23–102.1(A) OF THIS SUBTITL E STANDARDS FOR THE CO NSISTENT AND EQUITAB LE 10
	162	+	OPERATION OF A LIBRA RY THAT SERVE ALL CI TIZENS OF THE STATE AS 11
	163	+	ESTABLISHED UNDER § 23–102.1(B) OF THIS SUBTITLE. 12
167	164
168		-	(2) A LIBRARY SHOULD NOT E XCLUDE MATERIAL FROM ITS
169		-	CATALOGUE BECAUSE OF THE ORIGIN, BACKGROUND , OR VIEWS OF A PERSON WHO
170		-	CREATED THE MATERIAL ; AND AND
	165	+	23–102.1. 13
171	166
172		-	(3) A LIBRARY SHOULD NOT P ROHIBIT OR REMOVE MA TERIAL FROM
173		-	ITS CATALOGUE BECAUS E OF PARTISAN OR DOCTRINAL , IDEOLOGICAL, OR
174		-	RELIGIOUS DISAPPROVAL ;
	167	+	(A) (1) IN THIS SECTION, “LIBRARY” INCLUDES: 14
175	168
176		-	(4) THE RIGHT TO USE A LI BRARY BELONGS TO ALL INDIVIDUALS IN
177		-	THE LIBRARY ’S COMMUNITY AND THAT RIGHT SHOULD NOT BE DENIED OR
178		-	HINDERED BECAUSE OF AN INDIVIDUAL’S ORIGIN, AGE, BACKGROUND , OR VIEWS;
	169	+	(I) THE STATE LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER; 15
179	170
180		-	(5) A LIBRARY SHOULD MAKE ITS PUBLIC SPACES AN D FACILITIES
181		-	AVAILABLE TO ALL MEM BERS OF THE PUBLIC I T SERVES ON AN EQUITABLE BASIS;
182		-	AND
183		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 129
	171	+	(II) A REGIONAL RESOURCE CE NTER; 16
184	172
185		-	– 5 –
186		-	(6) A LIBRARY SHOULD HONOR THE RIGHT OF PRIVACY OF EACH
187		-	INDIVIDUAL WHO USES ITS SERVICES AND MUS T PROTECT PERSONAL D ATA AND
188		-	INFORMATION .
	173	+	(III) A CORRECTIONAL FACILIT Y LIBRARY; 17
189	174
190		-	(B) (C) IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT ANY A
191		-	LIBRARY, SCHOOL LIBRARY, RESOURCE CENTER , OR OTHER LIBRARY
192		-	ARRANGEMENT DEVELOPED BY THE STATE LIBRARY AGENCY THAT RECEIVES
193		-	FUNDING FROM THE STATE SHALL ADOPT AND FOLLOW A W RITTEN POLICY FOR
194		-	OPERATION OF A LIBRA RY THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR
195		-	LIBRARIES ENUMERATED IN UNDER SUBSECTION (A) (B) OF THIS SECTION.
	175	+	(IV) A COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTE M AND THE ENOCH PRATT FREE 18
	176	+	LIBRARY IN BALTIMORE; 19
196	177
197		-	23–105.
	178	+	(V) THE MARYLAND STATE LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND AND 20
	179	+	PRINT DISABLED; 21
198	180
199		-	(a) In addition to the other powers granted and duties imposed by this article, the
200		-	State Library Board has the powers and duties set forth in this section.
	181	+	(VI) THE MARYLAND DEAF CULTURE DIGITAL LIBRARY; AND 22
201	182
202		-	(b) ~~The State Library Board shall appoint the State Librarian~~.
	183	+	(VII) A METROPOLITAN COOPERA TIVE SERVICE PROGRAM . 23
203	184
204		-	(c) ~~The State~~ Library ~~Board shall exercise general direction and control of library~~
205		-	~~development in this State and may:~~
	185	+	(2) “LIBRARY” DOES NOT INCLUDE A S CHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA 24
	186	+	PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY A LOCAL SCHOOL SY STEM. 25
206	187
207		-	(1) Adopt rules and regulations necessary to administer this title;
	188	+	(B) IT IS THE GOAL POLICY OF THE STATE THAT EACH LIBRA RY IS 26
	189	+	OPERATED SHALL OPERATE IN A MANNER THAT RECOGNIZES CONSISTENT WITH 27
	190	+	THE FOLLOWING STANDA RDS: 28 HOUSE BILL 785 5
208	191
209		-	(2) After considering the recommendations of the State Librarian,
210		-	establish library policies and procedures for the statewide system of libraries;
211	192
212		-	(3) Consider the library needs of this State and recommend to the Governor
213		-	and the General Assembly desirable legislation; and
214	193
215		-	(4) ~~With the approval of the Governor~~, ~~accept, administer~~, and ~~spend any~~
216		-	~~appropriation, gift,~~ or ~~grant for library purposes from~~ the ~~federal government or from any~~
217		-	~~other person.~~
	194	+	(1) LIBRARY MATERIALS , SERVICES, AND RESOURCES EXIST AND 1
	195	+	SHOULD BE PROVIDED F OR THE INTEREST , INFORMATION , AND ENLIGHTENMENT 2
	196	+	OF ALL PERSONS THE LIBR ARY SERVES; 3
218	197
219		-	(d) In accordance with the bylaws, rules, and regulations of the State Board of
220		-	Education, the State Superintendent shall certificate professional library personnel.
	198	+	(2) A LIBRARY SHOULD NOT E XCLUDE MATERIAL FROM ITS 4
	199	+	CATALOGUE BECAUSE OF THE ORIGIN, BACKGROUND , OR VIEWS OF A PERSON WHO 5
	200	+	CREATED THE MATERIAL ; AND AND 6
221	201
222		-	(e) (1) Each year the State Library Board shall report to the Governor and the
223		-	people of this State on the support, condition, progress, and needs of libraries.
	202	+	(3) A LIBRARY SHOULD NOT P ROHIBIT OR REMOVE MA TERIAL FROM 7
	203	+	ITS CATALOGUE BECAUSE OF PAR TISAN OR DOCTRINAL , IDEOLOGICAL, OR 8
	204	+	RELIGIOUS DISAPPROVAL ; 9
224	205
225		-	(2) The ~~report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include~~
226		-	~~any findings of~~ the ~~State~~ Library ~~Agency related to its duties under § 23–106(b)(4) of this~~
227		-	~~subtitle.~~
	206	+	(4) THE RIGHT TO USE A LI BRARY BELONGS TO ALL INDIVIDUALS IN 10
	207	+	THE LIBRARY ’S COMMUNITY AND THAT RIGHT SHOULD NOT BE DENIED OR 11
	208	+	HINDERED BECAUSE OF AN INDIVIDUAL’S ORIGIN, AGE, BACKGROUND , OR VIEWS; 12
228	209
229		-	(f) ~~The State~~ Library ~~Board shall approve county~~ public ~~library capital projects~~
230		-	~~for State funding in accordance with § 23–509~~ of ~~this title.~~
231		-	~~Ch. 129 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND~~
	210	+	(5) A LIBRARY SHOULD MAKE ITS PUBLIC SPACES AN D FACILITIES 13
	211	+	AVAILABLE TO ALL MEM BERS OF THE PUBLIC I T SERVES ON AN EQUIT ABLE BASIS; 14
	212	+	AND 15
232	213
233		-	– 6 –
234		-	(G) THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD SHALL DEVELOP P OLICIES FOR THE
235		-	OPERATION OF LIBRARI ES THAT ALIGN ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE
236		-	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES.
	214	+	(6) A LIBRARY SHOULD HONOR THE RIGHT OF PRIVACY OF EACH 16
	215	+	INDIVIDUAL WHO USES ITS SERVICES AND MUST PROTECT PERSONA L DATA AND 17
	216	+	INFORMATION . 18
237	217
238		-	23–106.
	218	+	(B) (C) IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT ANY A 19
	219	+	LIBRARY, SCHOOL LIBRARY , RESOURCE CENTER , OR OTHER LIBRARY 20
	220	+	ARRANGEMENT DEVELOPED BY THE STATE LIBRARY AGENCY THAT RECEIVES 21
	221	+	FUNDING FROM THE STATE SHALL ADOPT AND FOLLOW A W RITTEN POLICY FOR 22
	222	+	OPERATION OF A LIBRA RY THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR 23
	223	+	LIBRARIES ENUMERATED IN UNDER SUBSECTION (A) (B) OF THIS SECTION. 24
239	224
240		-	(a) In addition to any other powers granted and duties imposed by this title, and
241		-	subject to the authority of the State Library Board, the State Library Agency has the
242		-	powers and duties set forth in this section.
	225	+	23–105. 25
243	226
244		-	(b) The State Library Agency shall:
	227	+	(a) In addition to the other powers granted and duties imposed by this article, the 26
	228	+	State Library Board has the powers and duties set forth in this section. 27
245	229
246		-	(1) Provide leadership and guidance for the planning and coordinated
247		-	development of library and information service in this State;
	230	+	(b) The State Library Board shall appoint the State Librarian. 28
248	231
249		-	(2) Develop statewide public and school library services and networks,
250		-	resource centers, and other arrangements to meet the library and information needs of this
251		-	State;
	232	+	(c) The State Library Board shall exercise general direction and control of library 29
	233	+	development in this State and may: 30
252	234
253		-	(3) ~~Provide professional~~ and ~~technical advice on improving library services~~
254		-	~~in this State to:~~
	235	+	(1) Adopt rules and regulations necessary to administer this title; 31
	236	+	6 HOUSE BILL 785
255	237
256		-	(i) Public and school library officials;
257	238
258		-	(ii) Higher education and special library officials;
	239	+	(2) After considering the recommendations of the State Librarian, 1
	240	+	establish library policies and procedures for the statewide system of libraries; 2
259	241
260		-	(iii) State government agencies; and
	242	+	(3) Consider the library needs of this State and recommend to the Governor 3
	243	+	and the General Assembly desirable legislation; and 4
261	244
262		-	(iv) Any other person;
	245	+	(4) With the approval of the Governor, accept, administer, and spend any 5
	246	+	appropriation, gift, or grant for library purposes from the federal government or from any 6
	247	+	other person. 7
263	248
264		-	(4) (i) Collect library statistics and other data;
	249	+	(d) In accordance with the bylaws, rules, and regulations of the State Board of 8
	250	+	Education, the State Superintendent shall certificate professional library personnel. 9
265	251
266		-	(ii) ~~Identify~~ library ~~needs~~ and ~~provide for needed research and~~
267		-	~~studies~~ of ~~them;~~ and
	252	+	(e) (1) Each year the State Library Board shall report to the Governor and the 10
	253	+	people of this State on the support, condition, progress, and needs of libraries. 11
268	254
269		-	(iii) Coordinate library services with other information and education
270		-	services and agencies;
	255	+	(2) The report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include 12
	256	+	any findings of the State Library Agency related to its duties under § 23–106(b)(4) of this 13
	257	+	subtitle. 14
271	258
272		-	(5) ~~Administer federal and State funds appropriated to it by~~ the State ~~for~~
273		-	~~library purposes;~~
	259	+	(f) The State Library Board shall approve county public library capital projects 15
	260	+	for State funding in accordance with § 23–509 of this title. 16
274	261
275		-	(6) (i) Develop and recommend professional standards and policies for
276		-	libraries; and
	262	+	(G) THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD SHALL DEVELOP P OLICIES FOR THE 17
	263	+	OPERATION OF LIBRARIES THA T ALIGN ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE 18
	264	+	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES. 19
277	265
278		-	(ii) Establish requirements and procedures for the certification of
279		-	librarians and library personnel; WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 129
	266	+	23–106. 20
280	267
281		-	– 7 –
	268	+	(a) In addition to any other powers granted and duties imposed by this title, and 21
	269	+	subject to the authority of the State Library Board, the State Library Agency has the 22
	270	+	powers and duties set forth in this section. 23
282	271
283		-	(7) ~~Provide~~:
	272	+	(b) The State Library Agency shall: 24
284	273
285		-	(i) ~~Specialized library service to~~ the ~~blind~~ and ~~other print disabled~~
286		-	~~individuals~~ in this State; ~~and~~
	274	+	(1) Provide leadership and guidance for the planning and coordinated 25
	275	+	development of library and information service in this State; 26
287	276
288		-	(ii) Other desirable specialized library services;
	277	+	(2) Develop statewide public and school library services and networks, 27
	278	+	resource centers, and other arrangements to meet the library and information needs of this 28
	279	+	State; 29
289	280
290		-	(8) Encourage, advise, and assist in establishing, operating, and
291		-	coordinating libraries at State institutions and agencies and administer the operation of
292		-	library and information services for the State Library Board;
	281	+	(3) Provide professional and technical advice on improving library services 30
	282	+	in this State to: 31
293	283
294		-	(9) Administer the State grant program for county public library capital
295		-	projects, in accordance with § 23–509 of this title;
	284	+	(i) Public and school library officials; 32 HOUSE BILL 785 7
296	285
297		-	(10) Adopt guidelines for the administration of public libraries and
298		-	recommend to the State Library Board rules and regulations to implement this title;
299	286
300		-	(11) Cooperate with national library agencies and those of any other state;
301	287
302		-	(12) Develop a Deaf Culture Digital Library in accordance with § 23–109 of
303		-	this subtitle; [and]
	288	+	(ii) Higher education and special library officials; 1
304	289
305		-	(13) ENSURE THAT EACH LIBR ARY AS DEFINED IN § 23–102.1 OF THIS
306		-	SUBTITLE THAT RECEIVES STATE FUNDS IS OPERAT ED IN A MANNER CONSISTENT
307		-	WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES; AND
	290	+	(iii) State government agencies; and 2
308	291
309		-	(14) ~~Perform~~ any other ~~duty necessary for its proper operation.~~
	292	+	(iv) Any other person; 3
310	293
311		-	~~23–202.~~
	294	+	(4) (i) Collect library statistics and other data; 4
312	295
313		-	(a) The boards of library trustees of at least three public library systems outside
314		-	the standard metropolitan statistical areas defined by the United States Bureau of the
315		-	Census may request the State Library Board to establish and maintain a regional resource
316		-	center.
	296	+	(ii) Identify library needs and provide for needed research and 5
	297	+	studies of them; and 6
317	298
318		-	(b) Each regional resource center shall provide, through mutual cooperation and
319		-	coordination, books, information, and other material and service resources that an
320		-	individual library cannot provide adequately by itself.
	299	+	(iii) Coordinate library services with other information and education 7
	300	+	services and agencies; 8
321	301
322		-	(c) ~~(1) A region~~ to ~~be served~~ by ~~a regional resource center shall have a~~
323		-	~~population of at least 100,000.~~
	302	+	(5) Administer federal and State funds appropriated to it by the State for 9
	303	+	library purposes; 10
324	304
325		-	(2) Subject to approval by the State Library Board, the boards of library
326		-	trustees of the participating library systems shall designate the library to serve as the
327		-	resource center. Ch. 129 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	305	+	(6) (i) Develop and recommend professional standards and policies for 11
	306	+	libraries; and 12
328	307
329		-	– 8 –
	308	+	(ii) Establish requirements and procedures for the certification of 13
	309	+	librarians and library personnel; 14
330	310
331		-	(d) (1) There is a board of advisors for each regional resource center that shall
332		-	act as the Regional Advisory Council.
	311	+	(7) Provide: 15
333	312
334		-	(2) The Council consists of:
	313	+	(i) Specialized library service to the blind and other print disabled 16
	314	+	individuals in this State; and 17
335	315
336		-	(i) ~~The director of the regional resource center~~; ~~and~~
	316	+	(ii) Other desirable specialized library services; 18
337	317
338		-	(ii) The director of each member library system.
	318	+	(8) Encourage, advise, and assist in establishing, operating, and 19
	319	+	coordinating libraries at State institutions and agencies and administer the operation of 20
	320	+	library and information services for the State Library Board; 21
339	321
340		-	(3) The Council for each regional resource center shall:
	322	+	(9) Administer the State grant program for county public library capital 22
	323	+	projects, in accordance with § 23–509 of this title; 23
341	324
342		-	(i) Gather information on the resource needs of its region; and
	325	+	(10) Adopt guidelines for the administration of public libraries and 24
	326	+	recommend to the State Library Board rules and regulations to implement this title; 25
343	327
344		-	(ii) ~~Promote the use~~ of ~~the regional resource center.~~
	328	+	(11) Cooperate with national library agencies and those of any other state; 26
345	329
346		-	(e) (1) The director of the regional resource center is the executive officer of
347		-	the regional resource center.
	330	+	(12) Develop a Deaf Culture Digital Library in accordance with § 23–109 of 27
	331	+	this subtitle; [and] 28
	332	+	8 HOUSE BILL 785
348	333
349		-	(2) The director:
350	334
351		-	(i) Is appointed by the governing board established in accordance
352		-	with § 23–202.1 of this subtitle; and
	335	+	(13) ENSURE THAT EACH LIBR ARY AS DEFINED IN § 23–102.1 OF THIS 1
	336	+	SUBTITLE THAT RECEIVES STATE FUNDS IS OPERAT ED IN A MANNER CONSI STENT 2
	337	+	WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES; AND 3
353	338
354		-	(ii) ~~Shall serve at the pleasure of the governing board~~.
	339	+	(14) Perform any other duty necessary for its proper operation. 4
355	340
356		-	~~(3) The director shall:~~
	341	+	23–202. 5
357	342
358		-	(i) Be eligible for certification as a professional library director by
359		-	the State Superintendent of Schools as set forth in COMAR 14.38.01.01;
	343	+	(a) The boards of library trustees of at least three public library systems outside 6
	344	+	the standard metropolitan statistical areas defined by the United States Bureau of the 7
	345	+	Census may request the State Library Board to establish and maintain a regional resource 8
	346	+	center. 9
360	347
361		-	(ii) Have the powers and duties set forth in this title; and
	348	+	(b) Each regional resource center shall provide, through mutual cooperation and 10
	349	+	coordination, books, information, and other material and service resources that an 11
	350	+	individual library cannot provide adequately by itself. 12
362	351
363		-	(~~iii~~) ~~Appoint, promote,~~ ~~fix salaries,~~ ~~assign duties,~~ ~~and terminate~~
364		-	~~personnel~~ of ~~the regional resource center~~.
	352	+	(c) (1) A region to be served by a regional resource center shall have a 13
	353	+	population of at least 100,000. 14
365	354
366		-	(f) (1) The director shall operate the regional resource center in accordance
367		-	with:
	355	+	(2) Subject to approval by the State Library Board, the boards of library 15
	356	+	trustees of the participating library systems shall designate the library to serve as the 16
	357	+	resource center. 17
368	358
369		-	(i) The standards adopted by the State Library Board; and
	359	+	(d) (1) There is a board of advisors for each regional resource center that shall 18
	360	+	act as the Regional Advisory Council. 19
370	361
371		-	(ii) The ~~policies adopted by the governing board.~~
	362	+	(2) The Council consists of: 20
372	363
373		-	(2) The director shall:
374		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 129
	364	+	(i) The director of the regional resource center; and 21
375	365
376		-	– 9 –
377		-	(i) Prepare and submit for the approval of the governing board the
378		-	annual budget of the regional resource center;
	366	+	(ii) The director of each member library system. 22
379	367
380		-	(ii) Adopt and submit for the approval of the governing board
381		-	reasonable rules and bylaws to carry out this section; and
	368	+	(3) The Council for each regional resource center shall: 23
382	369
383		-	(iii) Recommend to the governing board the purchase, condemnation,
384		-	rental, use, sale, or conveyance of property for any valid purpose under this section.
	370	+	(i) Gather information on the resource needs of its region; and 24
385	371
386		-	(g) ~~(1)~~ The ~~policies and procedures~~ of the regional resource center ~~shall be:~~
	372	+	(ii) Promote the use of the regional resource center. 25
387	373
388		-	[(1)~~] (I) Recommended by~~ the ~~board of trustees~~ of the ~~library designated~~
389		-	as the regional resource center~~; and~~
	374	+	(e) (1) The director of the regional resource center is the executive officer of 26
	375	+	the regional resource center. 27
390	376
391		-	[(2)~~] (II) Approved by~~ the ~~Council.~~
	377	+	(2) The director: 28
392	378
393		-	(2) THE POLICIES AND PROC EDURES FOR OPERATION OF THE
394		-	REGIONAL RESOURCE CE NTER SHALL BE CONSIS TENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS
395		-	FOR LIBRARIES.
	379	+	(i) Is appointed by the governing board established in accordance 29
	380	+	with § 23–202.1 of this subtitle; and 30 HOUSE BILL 785 9
396	381
397		-	(h) Each regional resource center shall:
398	382
399		-	(1) Make interlibrary loans of books and materials;
400	383
401		-	(2) ~~Supply collections and exhibits~~ of ~~specialized materials;~~
	384	+	(ii) Shall serve at the pleasure of the governing board. 1
402	385
403		-	(3) ~~Provide consultant services;~~
	386	+	(3) The director shall: 2
404	387
405		-	(4) Organize in–service training for library staffs; and
	388	+	(i) Be eligible for certification as a professional library director by 3
	389	+	the State Superintendent of Schools as set forth in COMAR 14.38.01.01; 4
406	390
407		-	(5) ~~Develop~~ and ~~operate cooperative services among libraries.~~
	391	+	(ii) Have the powers and duties set forth in this title; and 5
408	392
409		-	23–202.1.
	393	+	(iii) Appoint, promote, fix salaries, assign duties, and terminate 6
	394	+	personnel of the regional resource center. 7
410	395
411		-	(a) There is a governing board for each regional resource center.
	396	+	(f) (1) The director shall operate the regional resource center in accordance 8
	397	+	with: 9
412	398
413		-	(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a governing
414		-	board consists of the following members:
	399	+	(i) The standards adopted by the State Library Board; and 10
415	400
416		-	(i) ~~A library trustee from each participating library system;~~ ~~and~~
	401	+	(ii) The policies adopted by the governing board. 11
417	402
418		-	(ii) Up to one member of the public from each area served by the
419		-	participating library systems.
	403	+	(2) The director shall: 12
420	404
421		-	~~(2)~~ (i) The ~~board of trustees~~ of the ~~Washington County Free Library~~
422		-	~~shall act as~~ the ~~governing board for the Western Maryland~~ Regional Resource Center~~. Ch. 129 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND~~
	405	+	(i) Prepare and submit for the approval of the governing board the 13
	406	+	annual budget of the regional resource center; 14
423	407
424		-	– 10 –
	408	+	(ii) Adopt and submit for the approval of the governing board 15
	409	+	reasonable rules and bylaws to carry out this section; and 16
425	410
426		-	(ii) The bylaws adopted by the board of trustees of the Washington
427		-	County Free Library shall govern the composition, appointment, qualifications, terms, and
428		-	structure of the governing board.
	411	+	(iii) Recommend to the governing board the purchase, condemnation, 17
	412	+	rental, use, sale, or conveyance of property for any valid purpose under this section. 18
429	413
430		-	(c) ~~A member appointed to a governing board must~~:
	414	+	(g) (1) The policies and procedures of the regional resource center shall be: 19
431	415
432		-	(1) Be of good character;
	416	+	[(1)] (I) Recommended by the board of trustees of the library designated 20
	417	+	as the regional resource center; and 21
433	418
434		-	(2) ~~Have demonstrated ability and interest in library matters; and~~
	419	+	[(2)] (II) Approved by the Council. 22
435	420
436		-	(3) Be a resident of one of the counties participating in and being served by
437		-	the regional resource center.
	421	+	(2) THE POLICIES AND PROC EDURES FOR OPERATION OF THE 23
	422	+	REGIONAL RESOURCE CE NTER SHALL BE CONSIS TENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS 24
	423	+	FOR LIBRARIES. 25
438	424
439		-	(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the members of the
440		-	governing board shall be appointed by the governing board.
	425	+	(h) Each regional resource center shall: 26
441	426
442		-	(2) ~~The initial members~~ of ~~a governing board shall be appointed by the~~
443		-	~~Regional Advisory Council of the regional resource center.~~
	427	+	(1) Make interlibrary loans of books and materials; 27
	428	+	10 HOUSE BILL 785
444	429
445		-	(e) A member of a governing board:
446	430
447		-	(1) ~~May not receive compensation as a member~~ of ~~the governing board~~; ~~but~~
	431	+	(2) Supply collections and exhibits of specialized materials; 1
448	432
449		-	(2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the rules,
450		-	policies, and bylaws of the regional resource center.
	433	+	(3) Provide consultant services; 2
451	434
452		-	(f) (1) Each member serves for a term of 5 years beginning July 1 immediately
453		-	following the member’s appointment and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
	435	+	(4) Organize in–service training for library staffs; and 3
454	436
455		-	(2) ~~A member may not serve for more than two consecutive terms~~.
	437	+	(5) Develop and operate cooperative services among libraries. 4
456	438
457		-	(3) (i) The governing board shall appoint a qualified individual to fill
458		-	any vacancy in the member’s position for the remainder of that term until a successor is
459		-	appointed and qualifies.
	439	+	23–202.1. 5
460	440
461		-	(ii) A member appointed to fill a vacancy under subparagraph (i) of
462		-	this paragraph may serve for two additional terms.
	441	+	(a) There is a governing board for each regional resource center. 6
463	442
464		-	(g) (1) A governing ~~board shall elect a chair from among its members each~~
465		-	~~year.~~
	443	+	(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a governing 7
	444	+	board consists of the following members: 8
466	445
467		-	(2) A governing board may elect any other officers determined necessary
468		-	by the board.
469		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 129
	446	+	(i) A library trustee from each participating library system; and 9
470	447
471		-	– 11 –
472		-	(3) If a governing board elects a treasurer, the treasurer shall be
473		-	appropriately bonded.
	448	+	(ii) Up to one member of the public from each area served by the 10
	449	+	participating library systems. 11
474	450
475		-	(h) (1) A governing board:
	451	+	(2) (i) The board of trustees of the Washington County Free Library 12
	452	+	shall act as the governing board for the Western Maryland Regional Resource Center. 13
476	453
477		-	(i) Shall determine the time and place of its meetings; and
	454	+	(ii) The bylaws adopted by the board of trustees of the Washington 14
	455	+	County Free Library shall govern the composition, appointment, qualifications, terms, and 15
	456	+	structure of the governing board. 16
478	457
479		-	(ii) ~~May adopt rules for the conduct of its meetings.~~
	458	+	(c) A member appointed to a governing board must: 17
480	459
481		-	(2) ~~A governing board shall meet at least once every 3 months.~~
	460	+	(1) Be of good character; 18
482	461
483		-	(3) ~~A governing board is subject to the Open Meetings Act.~~
	462	+	(2) Have demonstrated ability and interest in library matters; and 19
484	463
485		-	(4) A ~~majority~~ of the ~~appointed members of the governing board is a~~
486		-	~~quorum~~.
	464	+	(3) Be a resident of one of the counties participating in and being served by 20
	465	+	the regional resource center. 21
487	466
488		-	(i) (1) A member of a governing board who fails to attend at least 50% of the
489		-	scheduled meetings of the board during any consecutive 12–month period shall be
490		-	considered to have resigned.
	467	+	(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the members of the 22
	468	+	governing board shall be appointed by the governing board. 23
491	469
492		-	(2) If the ~~member has been unable to attend meetings for reasons~~
493		-	~~satisfactory to~~ the ~~governing board,~~ ~~the governing board may waive the resignation~~.
	470	+	(2) The initial members of a governing board shall be appointed by the 24
	471	+	Regional Advisory Council of the regional resource center. 25
494	472
495		-	(3) The chair of a governing board shall report the member’s name and
496		-	nonattendance to the State Library Board within 45 days after the end of the 12–month
497		-	period.
	473	+	(e) A member of a governing board: 26
498	474
499		-	(4) The governing board ~~shall fill any vacancy in accordance with~~
500		-	~~subsection (f) of this section.~~
	475	+	(1) May not receive compensation as a member of the governing board; but 27
	476	+	HOUSE BILL 785 11
501	477
502		-	(j) (1) In addition to the other powers expressly granted and duties imposed
503		-	by this subtitle, a governing board has the powers and duties set forth in this subsection.
504	478
505		-	(2) A governing board shall:
	479	+	(2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the rules, 1
	480	+	policies, and bylaws of the regional resource center. 2
506	481
507		-	(i) ~~Select and appoint,~~ ~~with the advice~~ of ~~the State Librarian,~~ a
508		-	~~professional librarian to serve as director of~~ the ~~regional resource center;~~
	482	+	(f) (1) Each member serves for a term of 5 years beginning July 1 immediately 3
	483	+	following the member’s appointment and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. 4
509	484
510		-	(ii) ~~Determine the policies of the regional resource center;~~
	485	+	(2) A member may not serve for more than two consecutive terms. 5
511	486
512		-	(iii) Adopt reasonable rules and bylaws for the use of the regional
513		-	resource center and the conduct of its business;
	487	+	(3) (i) The governing board shall appoint a qualified individual to fill 6
	488	+	any vacancy in the member’s position for the remainder of that term until a successor is 7
	489	+	appointed and qualifies. 8
514	490
515		-	(iv) ~~Approve the regional resource center budget;~~
516		-	Ch. ~~129 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND~~
	491	+	(ii) A member appointed to fill a vacancy under subparagraph (i) of 9
	492	+	this paragraph may serve for two additional terms. 10
517	493
518		-	– 12 –
519		-	(v) In accordance with the regulations and laws of the State, receive,
520		-	account for, control, and supervise the spending of all public funds received by the regional
521		-	resource center;
	494	+	(g) (1) A governing board shall elect a chair from among its members each 11
	495	+	year. 12
522	496
523		-	(VI) ADOPT AND FOLLOW A WRITTEN POLICY FOR OPERATION
524		-	OF THE REGIONAL RESO URCE CENTER THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE STATE
525		-	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES AND CONDUCT THE OPER ATION OF THE REGIONAL
526		-	RESOURCE CENTER IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WI TH THE WRITTEN POLICY;
	497	+	(2) A governing board may elect any other officers determined necessary 13
	498	+	by the board. 14
527	499
528		-	~~[(vi)]~~ (~~VII~~) ~~Publish~~ the ~~results of the audit conducted under~~
529		-	~~paragraph (4)(ii) of this subsection; and~~
	500	+	(3) If a governing board elects a treasurer, the treasurer shall be 15
	501	+	appropriately bonded. 16
530	502
531		-	[(vii)] (VIII) Submit a report to the State Librarian on or before
532		-	November 1 each year that includes:
	503	+	(h) (1) A governing board: 17
533	504
534		-	1. The amount of money received from the library fund and
535		-	other sources;
	505	+	(i) Shall determine the time and place of its meetings; and 18
536	506
537		-	2. ~~Itemized expenses;~~
	507	+	(ii) May adopt rules for the conduct of its meetings. 19
538	508
539		-	3. The number of books and periodicals in the possession of
540		-	and owned by the regional resource center;
	509	+	(2) A governing board shall meet at least once every 3 months. 20
541	510
542		-	4. The ~~results of the annual audit; and~~
	511	+	(3) A governing board is subject to the Open Meetings Act. 21
543	512
544		-	~~5. Any other information required by~~ the ~~State Library~~
545		-	~~Board~~.
	513	+	(4) A majority of the appointed members of the governing board is a 22
	514	+	quorum. 23
546	515
547		-	(3) A governing board may:
	516	+	(i) (1) A member of a governing board who fails to attend at least 50% of the 24
	517	+	scheduled meetings of the board during any consecutive 12–month period shall be 25
	518	+	considered to have resigned. 26
548	519
549		-	(i) Apply, accept, and expend any gift, appropriation, or grant from
550		-	the State, county, or federal government or any other person on behalf of the regional
551		-	resource center;
	520	+	(2) If the member has been unable to attend meetings for reasons 27
	521	+	satisfactory to the governing board, the governing board may waive the resignation. 28
552	522
553		-	(ii) Recommend the purchase, condemnation, rental, acquisition,
554		-	use, or conveyance of property for any valid purpose under this section;
	523	+	(3) The chair of a governing board shall report the member’s name and 29
	524	+	nonattendance to the State Library Board within 45 days after the end of the 12–month 30
	525	+	period. 31 12 HOUSE BILL 785
555	526
556		-	(iii) Recommend plans for the regional resource centers, including
557		-	the use of facilities of participating libraries, additions to the facilities of participating
558		-	libraries, or new facilities separate from the existing facilities of participating libraries;
559	527
560		-	(iv) Select the location of and approve plans for the erection of
561		-	regional resource center buildings, subject to the approval of the State Library Board and
562		-	the Governor;
563	528
564		-	(v) Make agreements with any person for any library service; and WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 129
	529	+	(4) The governing board shall fill any vacancy in accordance with 1
	530	+	subsection (f) of this section. 2
565	531
566		-	– 13 –
	532	+	(j) (1) In addition to the other powers expressly granted and duties imposed 3
	533	+	by this subtitle, a governing board has the powers and duties set forth in this subsection. 4
567	534
568		-	(vi) Perform any other actions necessary for the proper control and
569		-	development of the regional resource center.
	535	+	(2) A governing board shall: 5
570	536
571		-	(4) ~~In addition to other reports that may be required by~~ the State ~~Library~~
572		-	~~Board,~~ the ~~Board shall:~~
	537	+	(i) Select and appoint, with the advice of the State Librarian, a 6
	538	+	professional librarian to serve as director of the regional resource center; 7
573	539
574		-	(i) Keep records that are consistent with sound business practices
575		-	and accounting records that use generally accepted accounting principles;
	540	+	(ii) Determine the policies of the regional resource center; 8
576	541
577		-	(ii) Cause an audit by an independent certified public accountant
578		-	approved by the State Librarian to be made of the accounts and transactions of the regional
579		-	resource center at the conclusion of each fiscal year; and
	542	+	(iii) Adopt reasonable rules and bylaws for the use of the regional 9
	543	+	resource center and the conduct of its business; 10
580	544
581		-	(iii) For any State money, be subject to an audit by the Office of
582		-	Legislative Audits, in accordance with §§ 2–1220 through 2–1227 of the State Government
583		-	Article.
	545	+	(iv) Approve the regional resource center budget; 11
584	546
585		-	(K) THE GOVERNING BOARD M AY NOT DISMISS , SUSPEND, DISCIPLINE,
586		-	DEMOTE, REASSIGN, TRANSFER, OR OTHERWISE RETALIA TE AGAINST AN EMPLOY EE
587		-	FOR ACTING IN A MANN ER CONSISTENT WITH THE REGIO NAL RESOURCE CENTER ’S
588		-	WRITTEN POLICY IMPLE MENTING THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES.
	547	+	(v) In accordance with the regulations and laws of the State, receive, 12
	548	+	account for, control, and supervise the spending of all public funds received by the regional 13
	549	+	resource center; 14
589	550
590		-	23–205.
	551	+	(VI) ADOPT AND FOLLOW A WRITTEN POLICY FOR OPERATION 15
	552	+	OF THE REGIONAL RESO URCE CENTER THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE STATE 16
	553	+	STANDARDS FOR LI BRARIES AND CONDUCT THE OPER ATION OF THE REGIONAL 17
	554	+	RESOURCE CENTER IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WI TH THE WRITTEN POLICY; 18
591	555
592		-	(a) ~~[Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G)~~ OF ~~THIS SECTION , EACH year,~~ the
593		-	~~State Library Board may include in its budget operating funds for:~~
	556	+	[(vi)] (VII) Publish the results of the audit conducted under 19
	557	+	paragraph (4)(ii) of this subsection; and 20
594	558
595		-	(1) The State Library Resource Center;
	559	+	[(vii)] (VIII) Submit a report to the State Librarian on or before 21
	560	+	November 1 each year that includes: 22
596	561
597		-	(2) Each regional resource center;
	562	+	1. The amount of money received from the library fund and 23
	563	+	other sources; 24
598	564
599		-	~~(3) The Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled~~;
	565	+	2. Itemized expenses; 25
600	566
601		-	(4) The Deaf Culture Digital Library; and
	567	+	3. The number of books and periodicals in the possession of 26
	568	+	and owned by the regional resource center; 27
602	569
603		-	~~(5) Each metropolitan cooperative service program~~.
	570	+	4. The results of the annual audit; and 28
604	571
605		-	~~(b) (1) [The] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION ,~~ THE State
606		-	~~shall pay all capital expenses for:~~
	572	+	5. Any other information required by the State Library 29
	573	+	Board. 30 HOUSE BILL 785 13
607	574
608		-	(i) The State Library Resource Center; and
609	575
610		-	(ii) Each regional resource center.
611		-	Ch. 129 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
612	576
613		-	– 14 –
614		-	(2) Before any money is spent under this subsection, the appropriate board
615		-	of library trustees shall:
	577	+	(3) A governing board may: 1
616	578
617		-	(i) Have the project approved by the State Library Board;
	579	+	(i) Apply, accept, and expend any gift, appropriation, or grant from 2
	580	+	the State, county, or federal government or any other person on behalf of the regional 3
	581	+	resource center; 4
618	582
619		-	(ii) Through the State Library Board, submit the request to the
620		-	Department of Budget and Management for consideration under Title 3, Subtitle 6 of the
621		-	State Finance and Procurement Article; and
	583	+	(ii) Recommend the purchase, condemnation, rental, acquisition, 5
	584	+	use, or conveyance of property for any valid purpose under this section; 6
622	585
623		-	(iii) ~~Agree to reimburse~~ the ~~State Library Board an amount the State~~
624		-	~~Library Board determines if~~ the ~~facility ceases to be used for a resource center or~~
625		-	~~cooperative service program.~~
	586	+	(iii) Recommend plans for the regional resource centers, including 7
	587	+	the use of facilities of participating libraries, additions to the facilities of participating 8
	588	+	libraries, or new facilities separate from the existing facilities of participating libraries; 9
626	589
627		-	(c) ~~(1) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G)~~ OF ~~THIS SECTION,~~ ~~EACH year~~
628		-	~~each participating~~ regional resource center ~~shall receive a minimum amount~~ of ~~funding for~~
629		-	~~each resident of~~ the ~~area served,~~ ~~to be used for operating and capital expenses.~~
	590	+	(iv) Select the location of and approve plans for the erection of 10
	591	+	regional resource center buildings, subject to the approval of the State Library Board and 11
	592	+	the Governor; 12
630	593
631		-	(2) ~~The allocation shall be calculated as follows:~~
	594	+	(v) Make agreements with any person for any library service; and 13
632	595
633		-	(i) For ~~each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015............ $6.75 per each~~
634		-	~~resident~~ of the ~~area served;~~
	596	+	(vi) Perform any other actions necessary for the proper control and 14
	597	+	development of the regional resource center. 15
635	598
636		-	(ii) ~~For fiscal year 2016.................................................. $6.95 per each~~
637		-	~~resident of~~ the ~~area served;~~
	599	+	(4) In addition to other reports that may be required by the State Library 16
	600	+	Board, the Board shall: 17
638	601
639		-	(~~iii~~) ~~For fiscal year 2017.................................................. $7.15 per each~~
640		-	~~resident of the area served~~;
	602	+	(i) Keep records that are consistent with sound business practices 18
	603	+	and accounting records that use generally accepted accounting principles; 19
641	604
642		-	(iv) For fiscal year 2018.................................................. $7.55 per each
643		-	resident of the area served;
	605	+	(ii) Cause an audit by an independent certified public accountant 20
	606	+	approved by the State Librarian to be made of the accounts and transactions of the regional 21
	607	+	resource center at the conclusion of each fiscal year; and 22
644	608
645		-	(v) For fiscal year 2019.................................................. $7.95 per each
646		-	resident of the area served;
	609	+	(iii) For any State money, be subject to an audit by the Office of 23
	610	+	Legislative Audits, in accordance with §§ 2–1220 through 2–1227 of the State Government 24
	611	+	Article. 25
647	612
648		-	(vi) For fiscal year 2020.................................................. $8.35 per each
649		-	resident of the area served;
	613	+	(K) THE GOVERNING BOARD M AY NOT DISMISS, SUSPEND, DISCIPLINE, 26
	614	+	DEMOTE, REASSIGN, TRANSFER, OR OTHERWISE RETALIA TE AGAINST AN EMPLOY EE 27
	615	+	FOR ACTING IN A MANN ER CONSISTENT WITH T HE REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTER’S 28
	616	+	WRITTEN POLICY IMPLE MENTING THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES. 29
650	617
651		-	(vii) For fiscal year 2021.................................................. $8.55 per each
652		-	resident of the area served;
	618	+	23–205. 30
653	619
654		-	(~~viii~~) ~~For fiscal year 2022.................................................. $8.75 per~~ each
655		-	~~resident of the area served;~~
	620	+	(a) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION , EACH year, the 31
	621	+	State Library Board may include in its budget operating funds for: 32 14 HOUSE BILL 785
656	622
657		-	(ix) For fiscal year 2023.................................................. $9.19 per each
658		-	resident of the area served;
659		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 129
660	623
661		-	– 15 –
662		-	(x) For fiscal year 2024.................................................. $9.39 per each
663		-	resident of the area served;
664	624
665		-	(xi) For fiscal year 2025.................................................. $9.59 per each
666		-	resident of the area served;
	625	+	(1) The State Library Resource Center; 1
667	626
668		-	(xii) For fiscal year 2026.................................................. $9.79 per each
669		-	resident of the area served; and
	627	+	(2) Each regional resource center; 2
670	628
671		-	(xiii) For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal ye ar
672		-	thereafter............................................................................................................ $9.99 per each
673		-	resident of the area served.
	629	+	(3) The Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled; 3
674	630
675		-	(d) (1) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION, EACH year
676		-	the State Library Resource Center shall receive a minimum amount of funding for each
677		-	State resident in the previous fiscal year, to be used for operating and capital expenses.
	631	+	(4) The Deaf Culture Digital Library; and 4
678	632
679		-	(2) ~~The allocation shall be calculated as follows:~~
	633	+	(5) Each metropolitan cooperative service program. 5
680	634
681		-	(i) ~~For each~~ of ~~fiscal years 2010 through 2016............ $1.67 per~~ State
682		-	~~resident;~~
	635	+	(b) (1) [The] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION , THE State 6
	636	+	shall pay all capital expenses for: 7
683	637
684		-	(ii) For fiscal year 2017................................................. $1.69 per State
685		-	resident;
	638	+	(i) The State Library Resource Center; and 8
686	639
687		-	(iii) For fiscal year 2018................................................. $1.73 per State
688		-	resident;
	640	+	(ii) Each regional resource center. 9
689	641
690		-	(iv) ~~For fiscal year 2019................................................. $1.77 per State~~
691		-	~~resident;~~
	642	+	(2) Before any money is spent under this subsection, the appropriate board 10
	643	+	of library trustees shall: 11
692	644
693		-	(v) For fiscal year 2020................................................. $1.81 per State
694		-	resident;
	645	+	(i) Have the project approved by the State Library Board; 12
695	646
696		-	(vi) For fiscal year 2021................................................. $1.85 per State
697		-	resident;
	647	+	(ii) Through the State Library Board, submit the request to the 13
	648	+	Department of Budget and Management for consideration under Title 3, Subtitle 6 of the 14
	649	+	State Finance and Procurement Article; and 15
698	650
699		-	(vii) For fiscal year 2022................................................. $1.89 per State
700		-	resident;
	651	+	(iii) Agree to reimburse the State Library Board an amount the State 16
	652	+	Library Board determines if the facility ceases to be used for a resource center or 17
	653	+	cooperative service program. 18
701	654
702		-	(viii) For fiscal year 2023................................................. $1.93 per State
703		-	resident; and
	655	+	(c) (1) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION, EACH year 19
	656	+	each participating regional resource center shall receive a minimum amount of funding for 20
	657	+	each resident of the area served, to be used for operating and capital expenses. 21
704	658
705		-	(ix) For fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year
706		-	thereafter........................................................................................................... $1.97 per State
707		-	resident. Ch. 129 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	659	+	(2) The allocation shall be calculated as follows: 22
708	660
709		-	– 16 –
	661	+	(i) For each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015............ $6.75 per each 23
	662	+	resident of the area served; 24
710	663
711		-	(e) [Beginning] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION, BEGINNING
712		-	in fiscal year 2016 and in each fiscal year thereafter, the Maryland Library for the Blind
713		-	and Print Disabled shall receive an amount equivalent to at least 25% of the amount
714		-	received by the State Library Resource Center for the same fiscal year under subsection (d)
715		-	of this section.
	664	+	(ii) For fiscal year 2016.................................................. $6.95 per each 25
	665	+	resident of the area served; 26
716	666
717		-	(f) (1) The State Library Board shall:
	667	+	(iii) For fiscal year 2017.................................................. $7.15 per each 27
	668	+	resident of the area served; 28
	669	+	HOUSE BILL 785 15
718	670
719		-	(i) Disburse funds to the State and regional resource centers, the
720		-	Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, and metropolitan cooperative service
721		-	programs; and
722	671
723		-	(ii) ~~Require that these funds be used subject to any conditions~~
724		-	~~specified by~~ the ~~appropriating agency or imposed under this subtitle.~~
	672	+	(iv) For fiscal year 2018.................................................. $7.55 per each 1
	673	+	resident of the area served; 2
725	674
726		-	(2) The State Library Board may authorize the State Comptroller to
727		-	withhold funds from any regional resource center or metropolitan cooperative service
728		-	program that fails to meet the standards adopted by the State Library Board.
	675	+	(v) For fiscal year 2019.................................................. $7.95 per each 3
	676	+	resident of the area served; 4
729	677
730		-	(G) (1) RECEIPT OF FUNDING UN DER THIS SECTION IS CONTINGENT ON A
731		-	LIBRARY, RESOURCE CENTER , OR METROPOLITAN COOPERATIVE SERVICE
732		-	PROGRAM ADOPTING A W RITTEN POLICY FOR OPERATION OF THE LIBRARY,
733		-	CENTER, OR PROGRAM THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR
734		-	LIBRARIES.
	678	+	(vi) For fiscal year 2020.................................................. $8.35 per each 5
	679	+	resident of the area served; 6
735	680
736		-	(2) THE STATE LIBRARIAN SHALL AUTHO RIZE THE STATE
737		-	COMPTROLLER TO WITHHO LD STATE FUNDS FROM A LIBRARY , RESOURCE CENTER ,
738		-	OR COOPERATIVE SERVI CE PROGRAM THAT DOES NOT ADOPT A WRITTEN POLICY
739		-	THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES
	681	+	(vii) For fiscal year 2021.................................................. $8.55 per each 7
	682	+	resident of the area served; 8
740	683
741		-	(I) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL WIT HHOLD ALL STATE FUNDS
742		-	FROM ANY REGIONAL RE SOURCE CENTER O R METROPOLITAN COOPE RATIVE
743		-	SERVICE PROGRAM THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD CERTIFIES HAS F AILED TO
744		-	MEET THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES.
	684	+	(viii) For fiscal year 2022.................................................. $8.75 per each 9
	685	+	resident of the area served; 10
745	686
746		-	(II) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL CON TINUE TO WITHHOLD
747		-	FUNDS UNDER SUBPARAG RAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH UN TIL THE STATE LIBRARY
748		-	BOARD CERTIFIES THAT THE REGIONAL RESOURC E CENTER OR METROPOL ITAN
749		-	COOPERATIVE SERVICE PROGRAM HAS ADOPTED A WRITTEN POLICY CON SISTENT
750		-	WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES.
	687	+	(ix) For fiscal year 2023.................................................. $9.19 per each 11
	688	+	resident of the area served; 12
751	689
752		-	~~23–406~~.
753		-	~~WES MOORE,~~ ~~Governor Ch. 129~~
	690	+	(x) For fiscal year 2024.................................................. $9.39 per each 13
	691	+	resident of the area served; 14
754	692
755		-	~~– 17 –~~
756		-	~~(a) Each board~~ of ~~library trustees:~~
	693	+	(xi) For fiscal year 2025.................................................. $9.59 per each 15
	694	+	resident of the area served; 16
757	695
758		-	(1) ~~Shall select and appoint a professional librarian eligible~~ for ~~certification~~
759		-	~~as director~~ of the ~~library to serve at the pleasure of the board~~; and
	696	+	(xii) For fiscal year 2026.................................................. $9.79 per each 17
	697	+	resident of the area served; and 18
760	698
761		-	(2) May delegate to the director its authority to appoint any other
762		-	necessary employees.
	699	+	(xiii) For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year 19
	700	+	thereafter............................................................................................................ $9.99 per each 20
	701	+	resident of the area served. 21
763	702
764		-	(b) Each board of library trustees shall establish policies for:
	703	+	(d) (1) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION, EACH year 22
	704	+	the State Library Resource Center shall receive a minimum amount of funding for each 23
	705	+	State resident in the previous fiscal year, to be used for operating and capital expenses. 24
765	706
766		-	(1) ~~Staff classification;~~
	707	+	(2) The allocation shall be calculated as follows: 25
767	708
768		-	(2) Salaries;
	709	+	(i) For each of fiscal years 2010 through 2016............ $1.67 per State 26
	710	+	resident; 27
769	711
770		-	(3) Work conditions;
	712	+	(ii) For fiscal year 2017................................................. $1.69 per State 28
	713	+	resident; 29
771	714
772		-	(4) Suspension with pay;
	715	+	(iii) For fiscal year 2018................................................. $1.73 per State 30
	716	+	resident; 31
	717	+	16 HOUSE BILL 785
773	718
774		-	(5) Grievance procedures;
775	719
776		-	(6) Benefits, including vacation and sick leave;
	720	+	(iv) For fiscal year 2019................................................. $1.77 per State 1
	721	+	resident; 2
777	722
778		-	(7) Hours of work; and
	723	+	(v) For fiscal year 2020................................................. $1.81 per State 3
	724	+	resident; 4
779	725
780		-	(8) ~~Any other personnel procedures and practices necessary~~ for ~~the efficient~~
781		-	~~operation of the library.~~
	726	+	(vi) For fiscal year 2021................................................. $1.85 per State 5
	727	+	resident; 6
782	728
783		-	(c) Each professional public librarian appointee to the professional library staff:
	729	+	(vii) For fiscal year 2022................................................. $1.89 per State 7
	730	+	resident; 8
784	731
785		-	(1) ~~Shall hold a certificate of library qualifications issued by the~~ State
786		-	~~Superintendent~~; or
	732	+	(viii) For fiscal year 2023................................................. $1.93 per State 9
	733	+	resident; and 10
787	734
788		-	(2) (i) Shall be eligible for State certification as a professional public
789		-	librarian; and
	735	+	(ix) For fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year 11
	736	+	thereafter........................................................................................................... $1.97 per State 12
	737	+	resident. 13
790	738
791		-	(ii) Shall apply for certification within 6 months of starting
792		-	employment.
	739	+	(e) [Beginning] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION, BEGINNING 14
	740	+	in fiscal year 2016 and in each fiscal year thereafter, the Maryland Library for the Blind 15
	741	+	and Print Disabled shall receive an amount equivalent to at least 25% of the amount 16
	742	+	received by the State Library Resource Center for the same fiscal year under subsection (d) 17
	743	+	of this section. 18
793	744
794		-	(d) (1) The director or the director’s designee may suspend a library employee
795		-	without pay for a specified period up to 10 working days, for the following reasons:
	745	+	(f) (1) The State Library Board shall: 19
796	746
797		-	(i) Misconduct in office;
	747	+	(i) Disburse funds to the State and regional resource centers, the 20
	748	+	Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, and metropolitan cooperative service 21
	749	+	programs; and 22
798	750
799		-	(ii) Insubordination;
	751	+	(ii) Require that these funds be used subject to any conditions 23
	752	+	specified by the appropriating agency or imposed under this subtitle. 24
800	753
801		-	(iii) Incompetency; or Ch. 129 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	754	+	(2) The State Library Board may authorize the State Comptroller to 25
	755	+	withhold funds from any regional resource center or metropolitan cooperative service 26
	756	+	program that fails to meet the standards adopted by the State Library Board. 27
802	757
803		-	– 18 –
	758	+	(G) (1) RECEIPT OF FUNDING UN DER THIS SECTION IS CONTINGENT ON A 28
	759	+	LIBRARY, RESOURCE CENTER , OR METROPOLITAN COOPERATIVE SERVICE 29
	760	+	PROGRAM ADOPTING A W RITTEN POLICY FOR OPERATION OF THE LIBRARY, 30
	761	+	CENTER, OR PROGRAM THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR 31
	762	+	LIBRARIES. 32
804	763
805		-	(iv) Willful neglect of duty.
	764	+	(2) THE STATE LIBRARIAN SHALL AUTHO RIZE THE STATE 33
	765	+	COMPTROLLER TO WITHHO LD STATE FUNDS FROM A LIBRARY, RESOURCE CENTER , 34 HOUSE BILL 785 17
806	766
807		-	(2) (i) The director or the director’s designee shall give the suspended
808		-	employee a written statement that specifies the reasons for the suspension.
809	767
810		-	(ii) The director or the director’s designee shall place a copy of the
811		-	written statement that specifies the reasons for the suspension in the employee’s official
812		-	personnel file.
	768	+	OR COOPERATIVE SERVI CE PROGRAM THAT DOES NOT ADOPT A WRITTEN POLICY 1
	769	+	THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES 2
813	770
814		-	(3) (i) The employee shall have the opportunity to reply in writing to
815		-	the director within 10 working days after the employee receives notice of the suspension.
	771	+	(I) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL WIT HHOLD ALL STATE FUNDS 3
	772	+	FROM ANY REGIONAL RE SOURCE CENTER OR MET ROPOLITAN COOPERATIVE 4
	773	+	SERVICE PROGRAM THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD CERTIFIES HAS F AILED TO 5
	774	+	MEET THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES. 6
816	775
817		-	(ii) The employee may request a hearing before the board of trustees
818		-	within 10 working days after receiving notice of the suspension.
	776	+	(II) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL CON TINUE TO WITHHOLD 7
	777	+	FUNDS UNDER SUBPARAG RAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH UN TIL THE STATE LIBRARY 8
	778	+	BOARD CERTIFIES THAT THE REG IONAL RESOURCE CENTE R OR METROPOLITAN 9
	779	+	COOPERATIVE SERVICE PROGRAM HAS ADOPTED A WRITTEN POLICY CON SISTENT 10
	780	+	WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES. 11
819	781
820		-	(iii) If the employee requests a hearing within the 10–day period, the
821		-	board shall promptly hold a hearing, but a hearing may not be set within 10 working days
822		-	after the board sends the employee a notice of the hearing.
	782	+	23–406. 12
823	783
824		-	(4) If an employee is suspended without pay and found not guilty of the
825		-	reasons for the suspension, the board shall refund all pay benefits lost by reason of the
826		-	suspension to the employee.
	784	+	(a) Each board of library trustees: 13
827	785
828		-	(5) ~~Suspension of an employee with pay~~ shall ~~be as provided by the library’s~~
829		-	~~personnel policy.~~
	786	+	(1) Shall select and appoint a professional librarian eligible for certification 14
	787	+	as director of the library to serve at the pleasure of the board; and 15
830	788
831		-	(e) (1) On written recommendation of the library director, each board of
832		-	library trustees may dismiss any library employee under its jurisdiction for any of the
833		-	following reasons:
	789	+	(2) May delegate to the director its authority to appoint any other 16
	790	+	necessary employees. 17
834	791
835		-	(i) ~~Misconduct in office;~~
	792	+	(b) Each board of library trustees shall establish policies for: 18
836	793
837		-	(ii) ~~Insubordination~~;
	794	+	(1) Staff classification; 19
838	795
839		-	(~~iii~~) ~~Incompetency~~; or
	796	+	(2) Salaries; 20
840	797
841		-	(iv) ~~Willful neglect of duty.~~
	798	+	(3) Work conditions; 21
842	799
843		-	(2) (i) Before removing an employee, the director shall send the
844		-	employee a written copy of the charges against the employee and give the employee an
845		-	opportunity to request a hearing before the board within 10 working days.
	800	+	(4) Suspension with pay; 22
846	801
847		-	(ii) If the employee requests a hearing within the 10–day period the
848		-	board promptly shall hold a hearing, but a hearing may not be set within 10 working days
849		-	after the board sends the employee a notice of the hearing. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 129
	802	+	(5) Grievance procedures; 23
850	803
851		-	~~– 19 –~~
	804	+	(6) Benefits, including vacation and sick leave; 24
852	805
853		-	(iii) The employee shall have an opportunity to be heard publicly
854		-	before the board in his own defense, in person or by counsel and to bring witnesses to the
855		-	hearing.
	806	+	(7) Hours of work; and 25
856	807
857		-	(3) If the board votes to remove the employee and:
	808	+	(8) Any other personnel procedures and practices necessary for the efficient 26
	809	+	operation of the library. 27
858	810
859		-	(i) The decision is unanimous, the decision of the board is final; or
	811	+	(c) Each professional public librarian appointee to the professional library staff: 28
	812	+	18 HOUSE BILL 785
860	813
861		-	(ii) The decision is not unanimous, the employee may appeal to the
862		-	State Library Board through the State Librarian.
863	814
864		-	(F) IF THE BOARD OF LIBRA RY TRUSTEES ADOPTS A WRITTEN POLICY
865		-	CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES, AN EMPLOYEE MAY NOT
866		-	BE DISMISSED, SUSPENDED, DISCIPLINED, DEMOTED, REASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED ,
867		-	OR OTHERWISE RETALIA TED AGAINST FOR ACTING IN A MANNER PERFORMING
868		-	THEIR JOB DUTIES CONSISTENT WITH THE ADOPTED WRITTEN POLI CY.
	815	+	(1) Shall hold a certificate of library qualifications issued by the State 1
	816	+	Superintendent; or 2
869	817
870		-	[(f)] (G) The director of each library shall:
	818	+	(2) (i) Shall be eligible for State certification as a professional public 3
	819	+	librarian; and 4
871	820
872		-	(1) Act as the general executive officer of the library and be responsible for
873		-	the management of its operations in accordance with policies approved by the board of
874		-	library trustees;
	821	+	(ii) Shall apply for certification within 6 months of starting 5
	822	+	employment. 6
875	823
876		-	(2) ~~Prepare~~ the ~~annual budget of~~ the library~~, and present it to the board for~~
877		-	~~approval;~~
	824	+	(d) (1) The director or the director’s designee may suspend a library employee 7
	825	+	without pay for a specified period up to 10 working days, for the following reasons: 8
878	826
879		-	(3) Nominate for appointment all library employees in the county library
880		-	system; and
	827	+	(i) Misconduct in office; 9
881	828
882		-	(4) Establish reasonable rules and adopt regulations for the use of the
883		-	library system subject to approval by the board of library trustees.
	829	+	(ii) Insubordination; 10
884	830
885		-	~~23–408.~~
	831	+	(iii) Incompetency; or 11
886	832
887		-	(a) A person may not KNOWINGLY AND unlawfully take, detain, mutilate, injure,
888		-	or disfigure any book, map, picture, engraving, manuscript, or other property of any library.
	833	+	(iv) Willful neglect of duty. 12
889	834
890		-	(b) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on
891		-	conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding [$250] $1,000, imprisonment not exceeding 3
892		-	months, or both.
	835	+	(2) (i) The director or the director’s designee shall give the suspended 13
	836	+	employee a written statement that specifies the reasons for the suspension. 14
893	837
894		-	23–503.
	838	+	(ii) The director or the director’s designee shall place a copy of the 15
	839	+	written statement that specifies the reasons for the suspension in the employee’s official 16
	840	+	personnel file. 17
895	841
896		-	(a) (1) The ~~entire capital and operating cost of~~ the ~~minimum library program~~
897		-	~~for this State as a whole shall be shared as provided in this subsection. Ch. 129 2024 LAWS~~ OF ~~MARYLAND~~
	842	+	(3) (i) The employee shall have the opportunity to reply in writing to 18
	843	+	the director within 10 working days after the employee receives notice of the suspension. 19
898	844
899		-	– 20 –
	845	+	(ii) The employee may request a hearing before the board of trustees 20
	846	+	within 10 working days after receiving notice of the suspension. 21
900	847
901		-	(2) [The] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION , THE State
902		-	shall provide:
	848	+	(iii) If the employee requests a hearing within the 10–day period, the 22
	849	+	board shall promptly hold a hearing, but a hearing may not be set within 10 working days 23
	850	+	after the board sends the employee a notice of the hearing. 24
903	851
904		-	(i) Approximately 40 percent of the total cost of the minimum
905		-	program; and
	852	+	(4) If an employee is suspended without pay and found not guilty of the 25
	853	+	reasons for the suspension, the board shall refund all pay benefits lost by reason of the 26
	854	+	suspension to the employee. 27
906	855
907		-	(ii) ~~Not less than 20 percent~~ of ~~the cost of~~ the ~~minimum program in~~
908		-	~~any county~~.
	856	+	(5) Suspension of an employee with pay shall be as provided by the library’s 28
	857	+	personnel policy. 29
909	858
910		-	(3) The ~~counties participating in the program together shall provide~~
911		-	~~through local taxes approximately 60 percent~~ of the ~~total statewide cost of the minimum~~
912		-	~~program.~~
	859	+	(e) (1) On written recommendation of the library director, each board of 30
	860	+	library trustees may dismiss any library employee under its jurisdiction for any of the 31
	861	+	following reasons: 32 HOUSE BILL 785 19
913	862
914		-	(b) (1) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION , EACH
915		-	county public library system that participates in the minimum library program shall be
916		-	provided for each resident of the county, to be used for operating and capital expenses:
917	863
918		-	(i) For each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015 – $14.00;
919	864
920		-	(ii) ~~For fiscal year 2016 – $14.27~~;
	865	+	(i) Misconduct in office; 1
921	866
922		-	(~~iii~~) ~~For fiscal year 2017 – $14.54~~;
	867	+	(ii) Insubordination; 2
923	868
924		-	(iv) ~~For fiscal year 2018 – $15.00~~;
	869	+	(iii) Incompetency; or 3
925	870
926		-	(v) ~~For fiscal year 2019 – $15.50;~~
	871	+	(iv) Willful neglect of duty. 4
927	872
928		-	(vi) For fiscal year 2020 – $16.00;
	873	+	(2) (i) Before removing an employee, the director shall send the 5
	874	+	employee a written copy of the charges against the employee and give the employee an 6
	875	+	opportunity to request a hearing before the board within 10 working days. 7
929	876
930		-	(vii) For fiscal year 2021 – $16.43;
	877	+	(ii) If the employee requests a hearing within the 10–day period the 8
	878	+	board promptly shall hold a hearing, but a hearing may not be set within 10 working days 9
	879	+	after the board sends the employee a notice of the hearing. 10
931	880
932		-	(viii) For fiscal year 2022 – $17.10;
	881	+	(iii) The employee shall have an opportunity to be heard publicly 11
	882	+	before the board in his own defense, in person or by counsel and to bring witnesses to the 12
	883	+	hearing. 13
933	884
934		-	(ix) ~~For fiscal year 2023 – $17.50;~~
	885	+	(3) If the board votes to remove the employee and: 14
935	886
936		-	(x) ~~For fiscal year 2024 – $17.90~~;
	887	+	(i) The decision is unanimous, the decision of the board is final; or 15
937	888
938		-	(xi) For fiscal year 2025 – $18.30;
	889	+	(ii) The decision is not unanimous, the employee may appeal to the 16
	890	+	State Library Board through the State Librarian. 17
939	891
940		-	(xii) For fiscal year 2026 – $18.70; and
	892	+	(F) IF THE BOARD OF LIBRA RY TRUSTEES ADOPTS A WRITTEN POLICY 18
	893	+	CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES, AN EMPLOYEE MAY NOT 19
	894	+	BE DISMISSED, SUSPENDED, DISCIPLINED, DEMOTED, REASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED , 20
	895	+	OR OTHERWISE RETALIA TED AGAINST FOR ACTING IN A MANNER PERFORMING 21
	896	+	THEIR JOB DUTIES CONSISTENT WITH THE ADOPTED WRITTEN POLICY. 22
941	897
942		-	(~~xiii~~) ~~For fiscal year 2027 and~~ each ~~fiscal year thereafter – $19.10.~~
	898	+	[(f)] (G) The director of each library shall: 23
943	899
944		-	(2) (i) [The] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION , THE
945		-	State shall share in this amount. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 129
	900	+	(1) Act as the general executive officer of the library and be responsible for 24
	901	+	the management of its operations in accordance with policies approved by the board of 25
	902	+	library trustees; 26
946	903
947		-	– 21 –
	904	+	(2) Prepare the annual budget of the library, and present it to the board for 27
	905	+	approval; 28
948	906
949		-	(ii) Any county may provide an amount greater than its share under
950		-	the cooperative program, but the State may not share in the excess.
	907	+	(3) Nominate for appointment all library employees in the county library 29
	908	+	system; and 30
	909	+	20 HOUSE BILL 785
951	910
952		-	(c) Any employer Social Security contributions required by federal law for any
953		-	employee in a county public library system shall remain the obligation of the employer.
954	911
955		-	(D) (1) RECEIPT OF STATE FUNDING FOR A C OUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
956		-	THAT PARTICIPATES IN THE MINIMUM LIBRARY PROGRAM UNDER THIS S ECTION IS
957		-	CONTINGENT ON THE BO ARD OF LIBRARY TRUST EES ADOPTING A WRITT EN POLICY
958		-	FOR OPERATION OF THE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTE M THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE
959		-	STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES.
	912	+	(4) Establish reasonable rules and adopt regulations for the use of the 1
	913	+	library system subject to approval by the board of library trustees. 2
960	914
961		-	(2) THE STATE LIBRARIAN SHALL AUTHO RIZE THE STATE
962		-	COMPTROLLER TO WITHHO LD STATE FUNDS FROM A CO UNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
963		-	SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT ADOPT A WRITTEN POLI CY THAT IS CONSISTEN T WITH THE
964		-	STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES
	915	+	23–408. 3
965	916
966		-	(I) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL WIT HHOLD ALL STATE FUNDS
967		-	FROM A COUNTY LIBRAR Y SYSTEM THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD CERTIFIES
968		-	HAS FAILED TO MEET T HE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES.
	917	+	(a) A person may not KNOWINGLY AND unlawfully take, detain, mutilate, injure, 4
	918	+	or disfigure any book, map, picture, engraving, manuscript, or other property of any library. 5
969	919
970		-	(II) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL CON TINUE TO WITHHOLD
971		-	FUNDS UNDER SUBPARAG RAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH UN TIL THE STATE LIBRARY
972		-	BOARD CERTIFIES THAT THE COUNTY LIBRARY S YSTEM HAS ADOPTED A WRITTEN
973		-	POLICY CONSISTENT WI TH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES.
	920	+	(b) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on 6
	921	+	conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding [$250] $1,000, imprisonment not exceeding 3 7
	922	+	months, or both. 8
974	923
975		-	23–~~506~~.
	924	+	23–503. 9
976	925
977		-	(a) The State Librarian shall authorize the payment of funds under this subtitle:
	926	+	(a) (1) The entire capital and operating cost of the minimum library program 10
	927	+	for this State as a whole shall be shared as provided in this subsection. 11
978	928
979		-	(1) To ~~the board~~ of ~~library trustees of each county that has a board of~~
980		-	~~trustees; or~~
	929	+	(2) [The] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION , THE State 12
	930	+	shall provide: 13
981	931
982		-	(2) ~~In each county that does not have a board~~ of ~~library trustees,~~ to the
983		-	~~county.~~
	932	+	(i) Approximately 40 percent of the total cost of the minimum 14
	933	+	program; and 15
984	934
985		-	(b) ~~(1) Current operating funds shall be administered by~~ the ~~county board~~ of
986		-	~~library trustees~~.
	935	+	(ii) Not less than 20 percent of the cost of the minimum program in 16
	936	+	any county. 17
987	937
988		-	(2) Capital expense funds shall be administered by the county council,
989		-	board of county commissioners, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City.
	938	+	(3) The counties participating in the program together shall provide 18
	939	+	through local taxes approximately 60 percent of the total statewide cost of the minimum 19
	940	+	program. 20
990	941
991		-	(c) (1) The funds provided under this subtitle may be used only for library
992		-	purposes. Ch. 129 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	942	+	(b) (1) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION , EACH 21
	943	+	county public library system that participates in the minimum library program shall be 22
	944	+	provided for each resident of the county, to be used for operating and capital expenses: 23
993	945
994		-	~~– 22~~ –
	946	+	(i) For each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015 – $14.00; 24
995	947
996		-	(2) The State Librarian shall require that these funds be used subject to
997		-	[any]:
	948	+	(ii) For fiscal year 2016 – $14.27; 25
998	949
999		-	(I) THE ADOPTION OF A WRI TTEN POLICY FOR OPERATION OF
1000		-	THE COUNTY LIBRARY S YSTEM CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR
1001		-	LIBRARIES BY EACH BO ARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES OR, IF THE COUNTY DOES N OT
1002		-	HAVE A BOARD OF LIBR ARY TRUSTEES , THE COUNTY GOVERNMEN T; AND
	950	+	(iii) For fiscal year 2017 – $14.54; 26
1003	951
1004		-	(II) ANY OTHER conditions specified by the appropriating agency or
1005		-	imposed under this subtitle.
	952	+	(iv) For fiscal year 2018 – $15.00; 27
1006	953
1007		-	23–~~507~~.
	954	+	(v) For fiscal year 2019 – $15.50; 28
1008	955
1009		-	(A) ~~The State Librarian shall authorize the State Comptroller to withhold State~~
1010		-	~~funds from any county that fails:~~
	956	+	(vi) For fiscal year 2020 – $16.00; 29
	957	+	HOUSE BILL 785 21
1011	958
1012		-	(1) To appropriate the amount of its share of the minimum program; or
1013	959
1014		-	(2) To meet the requirements of the law or of the State Library Board for
1015		-	operating the county library, INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE COUNTY
1016		-	LIBRARY BE OPERATED IN A MANNER THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE
1017		-	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES.
	960	+	(vii) For fiscal year 2021 – $16.43; 1
1018	961
1019		-	(B) (1) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL WIT HHOLD ALL STATE FUNDS FROM A
1020		-	COUNTY THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD CERTIFIES HAS F AILED TO OPERATE
1021		-	THE COUNTY LIBRARY S YSTEM CONSISTENT WIT H THE STATE STANDARDS FOR
1022		-	LIBRARIES.
	962	+	(viii) For fiscal year 2022 – $17.10; 2
1023	963
1024		-	(2) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL CON TINUE TO WITHHOLD FU NDS
1025		-	UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION U NTIL THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD
1026		-	CERTIFIES THAT THE C OUNTY HAS ADOPTED A WRITTEN POLICY FOR THE
1027		-	OPERATION OF THE COU NTY LIBRARY SYSTEM C ONSISTENT WITH THE STATE
1028		-	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES.
	964	+	(ix) For fiscal year 2023 – $17.50; 3
1029	965
1030		-	SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July
1031		-	1, 2024 is an emergency measure, is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public
1032		-	health or safety, has been passed by a yea and nay vote supported by three–fifths of all the
1033		-	members elected to each of the two Houses of the General Assembly, and shall take effect
1034		-	from the date it is enacted.
	966	+	(x) For fiscal year 2024 – $17.90; 4
1035	967
1036		-	Approved by the Governor, April 25, 2024.
	968	+	(xi) For fiscal year 2025 – $18.30; 5
	969	+
	970	+	(xii) For fiscal year 2026 – $18.70; and 6
	971	+
	972	+	(xiii) For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter – $19.10. 7
	973	+
	974	+	(2) (i) [The] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION , THE 8
	975	+	State shall share in this amount. 9
	976	+
	977	+	(ii) Any county may provide an amount greater than its share under 10
	978	+	the cooperative program, but the State may not share in the excess. 11
	979	+
	980	+	(c) Any employer Social Security contributions required by federal law for any 12
	981	+	employee in a county public library system shall remain the obligation of the employer. 13
	982	+
	983	+	(D) (1) RECEIPT OF STATE FUNDING FOR A C OUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM 14
	984	+	THAT PARTICIPATES IN THE MINIMUM LIBRARY PROGRAM UNDER THIS S ECTION IS 15
	985	+	CONTINGENT ON THE BO ARD OF LIBRARY TRUST EES ADOPTING A WRITT EN POLICY 16
	986	+	FOR OPERATION OF THE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTE M THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE 17
	987	+	STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES. 18
	988	+
	989	+	(2) THE STATE LIBRARIAN SHALL AUTHO RIZE THE STATE 19
	990	+	COMPTROLLER TO WITHHO LD STATE FUNDS FROM A CO UNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 20
	991	+	SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT ADOPT A WRITTEN POLI CY THAT IS CONSISTEN T WITH THE 21
	992	+	STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES 22
	993	+
	994	+	(I) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL WIT HHOLD ALL STATE FUNDS 23
	995	+	FROM A COUNTY LIBRAR Y SYSTEM THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD CERTIFIES 24
	996	+	HAS FAILED TO MEET T HE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES. 25
	997	+
	998	+	(II) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL CON TINUE TO WITHHOLD 26
	999	+	FUNDS UNDER SUBPARAG RAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH UN TIL THE STATE LIBRARY 27
	1000	+	BOARD CERTIFIES THAT THE COUNTY LIBRARY S YSTEM HAS ADOPTED A WRITTEN 28
	1001	+	POLICY CONSISTENT WI TH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES. 29
	1002	+
	1003	+	23–506. 30
	1004	+	22 HOUSE BILL 785
	1005	+
	1006	+
	1007	+	(a) The State Librarian shall authorize the payment of funds under this subtitle: 1
	1008	+
	1009	+	(1) To the board of library trustees of each county that has a board of 2
	1010	+	trustees; or 3
	1011	+
	1012	+	(2) In each county that does not have a board of library trustees, to the 4
	1013	+	county. 5
	1014	+
	1015	+	(b) (1) Current operating funds shall be administered by the county board of 6
	1016	+	library trustees. 7
	1017	+
	1018	+	(2) Capital expense funds shall be administered by the county council, 8
	1019	+	board of county commissioners, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City. 9
	1020	+
	1021	+	(c) (1) The funds provided under this subtitle may be used only for library 10
	1022	+	purposes. 11
	1023	+
	1024	+	(2) The State Librarian shall require that these funds be used subject to 12
	1025	+	[any]: 13
	1026	+
	1027	+	(I) THE ADOPTION OF A WRI TTEN POLICY FOR OPERATION OF 14
	1028	+	THE COUNTY LIBRARY S YSTEM CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR 15
	1029	+	LIBRARIES BY EACH BO ARD OF LIBRARY TRUST EES OR, IF THE COUNTY DOES N OT 16
	1030	+	HAVE A BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES , THE COUNTY GOVERNMEN T; AND 17
	1031	+
	1032	+	(II) ANY OTHER conditions specified by the appropriating agency or 18
	1033	+	imposed under this subtitle. 19
	1034	+
	1035	+	23–507. 20
	1036	+
	1037	+	(A) The State Librarian shall authorize the State Comptroller to withhold State 21
	1038	+	funds from any county that fails: 22
	1039	+
	1040	+	(1) To appropriate the amount of its share of the minimum program; or 23
	1041	+
	1042	+	(2) To meet the requirements of the law or of the State Library Board for 24
	1043	+	operating the county library, INCLUDING THE REQUIR EMENT THAT THE COUNT Y 25
	1044	+	LIBRARY BE OPERA TED IN A MANNER THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH T HE STATE 26
	1045	+	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES. 27
	1046	+
	1047	+	(B) (1) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL WIT HHOLD ALL STATE FUNDS FROM A 28
	1048	+	COUNTY THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD CERTIFIES HAS F AILED TO OPERATE 29
	1049	+	THE COUNTY LIBRARY S YSTEM CONSISTENT WIT H THE STATE STANDARDS FOR 30
	1050	+	LIBRARIES. 31
	1051	+	HOUSE BILL 785 23
	1052	+
	1053	+
	1054	+	(2) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL CON TINUE TO WITHHOLD FU NDS 1
	1055	+	UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION U NTIL THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD 2
	1056	+	CERTIFIES THAT THE C OUNTY HAS ADOPTED A WRITTEN POLICY FOR T HE 3
	1057	+	OPERATION OF THE COU NTY LIBRARY SYSTE M CONSISTENT WITH TH E STATE 4
	1058	+	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES. 5
	1059	+
	1060	+	SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July 6
	1061	+	1, 2024 is an emergency measure, is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public 7
	1062	+	health or safety, has been passed by a yea and nay vote supported by three–fifths of all the 8
	1063	+	members elected to each of the two Houses of the General Assembly, and shall take effect 9
	1064	+	from the date it is enacted. 10
	1065	+
	1066	+
	1067	+
	1068	+	Approved:
	1069	+	________________________________________________________________________________
	1070	+	Governor.
	1071	+	________________________________________________________________________________
	1072	+	Speaker of the House of Delegates.
	1073	+	________________________________________________________________________________
	1074	+	President of the Senate.