Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB738 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 130
2	1
3		-	– 1 –
4		-	Chapter 130
5		-	(Senate Bill 738)
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	+	sb0738
8	10
9		-	Freedom to Read Act
	11	+	SENATE BILL 738
	12	+	F5 EMERGENCY BILL (4lr0439)
	13	+	ENROLLED BILL
	14	+	— Education, Energy, and the Environment/Ways and Means —
	15	+	Introduced by Senators King, Beidle, Benson, Brooks, Elfreth, Feldman, Ferguson,
	16	+	Gile, Guzzone, Hettleman, Jackson, Kagan, Kelly, Kramer, Lewis Young,
	17	+	McCray, Waldstreicher, A. Washington, M. Washington, and Zucker
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,
41		-	23–503, 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. 130 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND~~
	30	+	______________________________________________
	31	+	President.
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 S CHOOLS THE PROGRAM S ERVES;
	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 SENATE BILL 738
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		-	(B) (1) EACH LOCAL SCHOOL SYS TEM SHALL DEVELOP AN D IMPLEMENT
75		-	A POLICY AND PROCEDU RES TO REVIEW OBJECT IONS TO MATERIALS IN THE SCHOOL
76		-	LIBRARY MEDIA PRO GRAM CONSISTENT WITH U.S. SUPREME COURT LEGAL
77		-	PRECEDENT .
	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		-	(2) THE POLICY AND PROCED URES DEVELOPED UNDER PARAGRAPH
80		-	(1) OF THIS SUBSECTION S HALL:
	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, 17
	71	+	23–503, 23–506, and 23–507 18
	72	+	Annotated Code of Maryland 19
	73	+	(2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 20
81	74
82		-	(I) ESTABLISH A UNIFORM P ROCESS TO SUBMIT AN OBJECTION
83		-	TO MATERIALS IN A SC HOOL LIBRARY MEDIA P ROGRAM BY A STUDENT, PARENT OR
84		-	GUARDIAN OF A STUDEN T ENROLLED IN A SCHO OL IN THE LOCAL SCHO OL SYSTEM,
85		-	OR SCHOOL PERSONNEL ;
	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		-	(II) REQUIRE MATERIALS UND ER REVIEW DUE TO AN
88		-	OBJECTION TO REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR USE BY STUDENTS AND SCHOOL
89		-	PERSONNEL UNTIL THE REVIEW PROCES S HAS CONCLUDED ; AND
	78	+	Article – Education 23
90	79
91		-	(III) ESTABLISH A REASONABL E TIMELINE TO CONDUC T AND
92		-	CONCLUDE THE REVIEW PROCESS IN A TIMELY MANNER.
93		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 130
	80	+	4–142. 24
94	81
95		-	– 3 –
96		-	(B) (C) A COUNTY BOARD MAY NOT DISMISS, DEMOTE, SUSPEND,
97		-	DISCIPLINE, REASSIGN, TRANSFER, OR OTHERWISE RETALIA TE AGAINST A
98		-	LIBRARIAN OR, A CERTIFIED LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST , OR SCHOOL LIBRARY
99		-	MEDIA PROGRAM SUPPOR T STAFF EMPLOYED BY A COUNTY BOARD MAY NOT BE
100		-	DISMISSED, DEMOTED, SUSPENDED, DISCIPLINED, REASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED , OR
101		-	OTHERWISE RETALIATED AGAINST FOR ACTING I N A MANNER FOR PERFORMING
102		-	THEIR JOB DUTIES CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES
103		-	STANDARDS DESCRIBED UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION.
	82	+	(A) IN THIS SECTION , “STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES” HAS THE 25
	83	+	MEANING STATED IN § 23–101 OF THIS ARTICLE. 26
104	84
105		-	23–101.
	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
106	88
107		-	(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
	89	+	(1) THE MATERIALS , SERVICES, AND RESOURCES PROVID ED IN A 30
	90	+	SCHOOL LIBRA RY MEDIA PROGRAM ARE PROVIDED FOR THE INT EREST, 31
	91	+	INFORMATION , AND INSTRUCTIONAL SU PPORT OF STUDENTS AN D SCHOOL 32
	92	+	PERSONNEL OF THE SCH OOLS THE PROGRAM SER VES; 33
108	93
109		-	(b) “Print disabled individual” means an individual who cannot effectively read
110		-	print because of a visual, physical, perceptual, developmental, cognitive, or learning
111		-	disability.
	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 C REATED THE MATERIAL ; AND 36
	97	+	SENATE BILL 738 3
112	98
113		-	(c) “State Library Agency” means the Maryland State Library Agency.
114	99
115		-	(d) “State Library Board” means the Maryland State Library Board.
	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
116	103
117		-	(E) “STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES” MEANS THE PHILOSOPHY FOR THE
118		-	OPERATION OF A LIBRA RY THAT ADHERES TO T HE STANDARDS ENUMERA TED IN §
119		-	23–102.1(A) OF THIS SUBTITLE STANDARDS FOR THE CO NSISTENT AND EQUITAB LE
120		-	OPERATION OF A LIBRA RY THAT SERVE ALL CITIZ ENS OF THE STATE AS
121		-	ESTABLISHED UNDER § 23–102.1(B) OF THIS SUBTITLE.
	104	+	(B) (1) EACH LOCAL SCHOOL SYS TEM SHALL DEVELOP AN D IMPLEMENT 4
	105	+	A POLICY AND PROCEDU RES TO REVIEW OBJECT IONS TO MATERIALS IN THE SCHOOL 5
	106	+	LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRA M CONSISTENT WITH U.S. SUPREME COURT LEGAL 6
	107	+	PRECEDENT . 7
122	108
123		-	23–102.1.
	109	+	(2) THE POLICY AND PROCED URES DEVELOPED UNDER PARAGRAP H 8
	110	+	(1) OF THIS SUBSECTION S HALL: 9
124	111
125		-	(A) (1) IN THIS SECTION, “LIBRARY” INCLUDES:
	112	+	(I) ESTABLISH A UNIFORM P ROCESS TO SUBMIT AN OBJECTION 10
	113	+	TO MATERIALS IN A SC HOOL LIBRARY MEDIA P ROGRAM BY A STUDENT , PARENT OR 11
	114	+	GUARDIAN OF A STUDEN T ENROLLED IN A SCHO OL IN THE LOCAL SCHO OL SYSTEM, 12
	115	+	OR SCHOOL PERSONNEL ; 13
126	116
127		-	(I) THE STATE LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER;
	117	+	(II) REQUIRE MATERIALS UND ER REVIEW DUE TO AN 14
	118	+	OBJECTION TO REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR USE BY STUDENTS AND SCHOOL 15
	119	+	PERSONNEL UNTIL THE REVIEW PROCESS HAS C ONCLUDED; AND 16
128	120
129		-	(II) A REGIONAL RESOURCE CE NTER;
	121	+	(III) ESTABLISH A REASONABL E TIMELINE TO CONDUC T AND 17
	122	+	CONCLUDE THE REVIEW PROCESS IN A TIMELY MANNER . 18
130	123
131		-	(III) A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY LIBRARY ;
	124	+	(B) (C) A COUNTY BOARD MAY NOT DISMISS, DEMOTE, SUSPEND, 19
	125	+	DISCIPLINE, REASSIGN, TRANSFER, OR OTHERWISE RETALIA TE AGAINST A 20
	126	+	LIBRARIAN OR, A CERTIFIED LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST , OR SCHOOL LIBRARY 21
	127	+	MEDIA PROGRAM SUPPOR T STAFF EMPLOYED BY A COUNTY BOARD MAY NOT BE 22
	128	+	DISMISSED, DEMOTED, SUSPENDED, DISCIPLINED, REASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED , OR 23
	129	+	OTHERWISE RETALIATED AGAINST FOR ACTING I N A MANNER FOR PERFORMING 24
	130	+	THEIR JOB DUTIES CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES 25
	131	+	STANDARDS DESCRIBED UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION. 26
132	132
133		-	(IV) A COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTE M AND THE ENOCH PRATT FREE
134		-	LIBRARY IN BALTIMORE;
	133	+	23–101. 27
135	134
136		-	(V) THE MARYLAND STATE LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND AND
137		-	PRINT DISABLED;
	135	+	(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. 28
138	136
139		-	(VI) THE MARYLAND DEAF CULTURE DIGITAL LIBRARY; AND
140		-	Ch. 130 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	137	+	(b) “Print disabled individual” means an individual who cannot effectively read 29
	138	+	print because of a visual, physical, perceptual, developmental, cognitive, or learning 30
	139	+	disability. 31
141	140
142		-	– 4 –
143		-	(VII) A METROPOLITAN COOPERA TIVE SERVICE PROGRAM .
	141	+	(c) “State Library Agency” means the Maryland State Library Agency. 32
144	142
145		-	(2) “~~LIBRARY” DOES NOT INCLUDE A S CHOOL~~ LIBRARY ~~MEDIA~~
146		-	~~PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY A LOCAL SCHOOL SY STEM.~~
	143	+	(d) “State Library Board” means the Maryland State Library Board. 33
	144	+	4 SENATE BILL 738
147	145
148		-	(B) IT IS THE GOAL POLICY OF THE STATE THAT EACH LIBRA RY IS
149		-	OPERATED SHALL OPERATE IN A MANNER THAT RECOGNIZES CONSISTENT WITH
150		-	THE FOLLOWING STANDA RDS:
151	146
152		-	(1) LIBRARY MATERIALS , SERVICES, AND RESOURCES EXIST AND
153		-	SHOULD BE PROVIDED F OR THE INTEREST , INFORMATION , AND ENLIGHTENMENT
154		-	OF ALL PERSONS THE L IBRARY SERVES ;
	147	+	(E) “STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES” MEANS THE PHILOSOPHY FOR THE 1
	148	+	OPERATION OF A L IBRARY THAT ADHERES TO THE STANDARDS ENU MERATED IN § 2
	149	+	23–102.1(A) OF THIS SUBTITLE STANDARDS FOR THE CO NSISTENT AND EQUITAB LE 3
	150	+	OPERATION OF A LIBRA RY THAT SERVE ALL CI TIZENS OF THE STATE AS 4
	151	+	ESTABLISHED UNDER § 23–102.1(B) OF THIS SUBTITLE. 5
155	152
156		-	(2) A LIBRARY SHOULD NOT E XCLUDE MATERIAL FROM ITS
157		-	CATALOGUE BECA USE OF THE ORIGIN , BACKGROUND , OR VIEWS OF A PERSON WHO
158		-	CREATED THE MATERIAL ; AND
	153	+	23–102.1. 6
159	154
160		-	(3) A LIBRARY SHOULD NOT P ROHIBIT OR REMOVE MA TERIAL FROM
161		-	ITS CATALOGUE BECAUS E OF PARTISAN OR DOCTRINAL , IDEOLOGICAL, OR
162		-	RELIGIOUS DISAPPROVAL .
	155	+	(A) (1) IN THIS SECTION, “LIBRARY” INCLUDES: 7
163	156
164		-	(B) (C) IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT ANY A
165		-	LIBRARY, SCHOOL LIBRARY , RESOURCE CENTER , OR OTHER LIBRARY
166		-	ARRANGEMENT DEVELOPED BY THE STATE LIBRARY AGENCY THAT RECEIVES
167		-	FUNDING FROM THE STATE SHALL ADOPT AND FOLLOW A W RITTEN POLICY FOR
168		-	OPERATION OF A LIBRARY THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR
169		-	LIBRARIES ENUMERATED IN UNDER SUBSECTION (A) (B) OF THIS SECTION.
	157	+	(I) THE STATE LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER; 8
170	158
171		-	~~23–105.~~
	159	+	(II) A REGIONAL RESOURCE CE NTER; 9
172	160
173		-	(a) In addition to the other powers granted and duties imposed by this article, the
174		-	State Library Board has the powers and duties set forth in this section.
	161	+	(III) A CORRECTIONAL FACILIT Y LIBRARY; 10
175	162
176		-	(b) The State Library Board shall appoint the State Librarian.
	163	+	(IV) A COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTE M AND THE ENOCH PRATT FREE 11
	164	+	LIBRARY IN BALTIMORE; 12
177	165
178		-	(c) The State Library ~~Board shall exercise general direction~~ and ~~control of library~~
179		-	~~development in this State and may:~~
	166	+	(V) THE MARYLAND STATE LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND AND 13
	167	+	PRINT DISABLED; 14
180	168
181		-	(1) ~~Adopt rules~~ and ~~regulations necessary to administer this title;~~
	169	+	(VI) THE MARYLAND DEAF CULTURE DIGITAL LIBRARY; AND 15
182	170
183		-	(2) After considering the recommendations of the State Librarian,
184		-	establish library policies and procedures for the statewide system of libraries;
185		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 130
	171	+	(VII) A METROPOLITAN COOPERA TIVE SERVICE PROGRAM . 16
186	172
187		-	– 5 –
188		-	(3) Consider the library needs of this State and recommend to the Governor
189		-	and the General Assembly desirable legislation; and
	173	+	(2) “LIBRARY” DOES NOT INCLUDE A S CHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA 17
	174	+	PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY A LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM . 18
190	175
191		-	(4) ~~With~~ the ~~approval~~ of the ~~Governor, accept,~~ ~~administer, and spend any~~
192		-	~~appropriation, gift,~~ ~~or grant for library purposes from the federal government or from any~~
193		-	~~other person.~~
	176	+	(B) IT IS THE GOAL POLICY OF THE STATE THAT EACH LIBRA RY IS 19
	177	+	OPERATED SHALL OPERATE IN A MANNER THAT RECOGNIZES CONSISTENT WITH 20
	178	+	THE FOLLOWING STANDA RDS: 21
194	179
195		-	(d) In accordance with the bylaws, rules, and regulations of the State Board of
196		-	Education, the State Superintendent shall certificate professional library personnel.
	180	+	(1) LIBRARY MATERIALS , SERVICES, AND RESOURCES EXIST AND 22
	181	+	SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR THE INTEREST , INFORMATION , AND ENLIGHTENMENT 23
	182	+	OF ALL PERSONS THE L IBRARY SERVES ; 24
197	183
198		-	(e) (1) Each year the State Library Board shall report to the Governor and the
199		-	people of this State on the support, condition, progress, and needs of libraries.
	184	+	(2) A LIBRARY SHOULD NOT E XCLUDE MATERIAL FROM ITS 25
	185	+	CATALOGUE BECAUSE OF THE ORIGIN, BACKGROUND , OR VIEWS OF A PERSON WHO 26
	186	+	CREATED THE MATERIAL ; AND 27
200	187
201		-	(2) ~~The report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include~~
202		-	~~any findings~~ of ~~the State Library Agency related to its duties under § 23–106(b)(4) of this~~
203		-	~~subtitle~~.
	188	+	(3) A LIBRARY SHOUL D NOT PROHIBIT OR RE MOVE MATERIAL FROM 28
	189	+	ITS CATALOGUE BECAUS E OF PARTISAN OR DOCTRINAL , IDEOLOGICAL, OR 29
	190	+	RELIGIOUS DISAPPROVAL . 30 SENATE BILL 738 5
204	191
205		-	(f) The State Library Board shall approve county public library capital projects
206		-	for State funding in accordance with § 23–509 of this title.
207	192
208		-	(G) THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD SHALL DEVELOP P OLICIES FOR THE
209		-	OPERATION OF LIBRARI ES THAT ALIGN ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE
210		-	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES.
211	193
212		-	23–106.
	194	+	(B) (C) IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT ANY A 1
	195	+	LIBRARY, SCHOOL LIBRARY , RESOURCE CENTER , OR OTHER LIBRARY 2
	196	+	ARRANGEME NT DEVELOPED BY THE STATE LIBRARY AGENCY THAT RECEIVES 3
	197	+	FUNDING FROM THE STATE SHALL ADOPT AND FOLLOW A W RITTEN POLICY FOR 4
	198	+	OPERATION OF A LIBRA RY THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR 5
	199	+	LIBRARIES ENUMERATED IN UNDER SUBSECTION (A) (B) OF THIS SECTION. 6
213	200
214		-	(a) In addition to any other powers granted and duties imposed by this title, and
215		-	subject to the authority of the State Library Board, the State Library Agency has the
216		-	powers and duties set forth in this section.
	201	+	23–105. 7
217	202
218		-	(b) The State Library Agency shall:
	203	+	(a) In addition to the other powers granted and duties imposed by this article, the 8
	204	+	State Library Board has the powers and duties set forth in this section. 9
219	205
220		-	(1) Provide leadership and guidance for the planning and coordinated
221		-	development of library and information service in this State;
	206	+	(b) The State Library Board shall appoint the State Librarian. 10
222	207
223		-	(2) Develop statewide public and school library services and networks,
224		-	resource centers, and other arrangements to meet the library and information needs of this
225		-	State;
	208	+	(c) The State Library Board shall exercise general direction and control of library 11
	209	+	development in this State and may: 12
226	210
227		-	(3) Provide professional and technical advice on improving library services
228		-	in this State to:
	211	+	(1) Adopt rules and regulations necessary to administer this title; 13
229	212
230		-	(i) Public and school library officials;
	213	+	(2) After considering the recommendations of the State Librarian, 14
	214	+	establish library policies and procedures for the statewide system of libraries; 15
231	215
232		-	(ii) ~~Higher education~~ and ~~special library officials;~~
233		-	~~Ch.~~ ~~130~~ ~~2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND~~
	216	+	(3) Consider the library needs of this State and recommend to the Governor 16
	217	+	and the General Assembly desirable legislation; and 17
234	218
235		-	– 6 –
236		-	(iii) State government agencies; and
	219	+	(4) With the approval of the Governor, accept, administer, and spend any 18
	220	+	appropriation, gift, or grant for library purposes from the federal government or from any 19
	221	+	other person. 20
237	222
238		-	(iv) Any other person;
	223	+	(d) In accordance with the bylaws, rules, and regulations of the State Board of 21
	224	+	Education, the State Superintendent shall certificate professional library personnel. 22
239	225
240		-	(4) (i) Collect library statistics and other data;
	226	+	(e) (1) Each year the State Library Board shall report to the Governor and the 23
	227	+	people of this State on the support, condition, progress, and needs of libraries. 24
241	228
242		-	(ii) Identify library needs and provide for needed research and
243		-	studies of them; and
	229	+	(2) The report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include 25
	230	+	any findings of the State Library Agency related to its duties under § 23–106(b)(4) of this 26
	231	+	subtitle. 27
244	232
245		-	(~~iii~~) ~~Coordinate~~ library ~~services with other information and education~~
246		-	~~services and agencies;~~
	233	+	(f) The State Library Board shall approve county public library capital projects 28
	234	+	for State funding in accordance with § 23–509 of this title. 29
247	235
248		-	(5) Administer federal and State funds appropriated to it by the State for
249		-	library purposes;
	236	+	(G) THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD SHALL DEVELOP P OLICIES FOR THE 30
	237	+	OPERATION OF LIBRARI ES THAT ALIGN ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE 31
	238	+	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES. 32 6 SENATE BILL 738
250	239
251		-	(6) (i) Develop and recommend professional standards and policies for
252		-	libraries; and
253	240
254		-	(ii) Establish requirements and procedures for the certification of
255		-	librarians and library personnel;
256	241
257		-	~~(7) Provide:~~
	242	+	23–106. 1
258	243
259		-	(i) Specialized library service to the blind and other print disabled
260		-	individuals in this State; and
	244	+	(a) In addition to any other powers granted and duties imposed by this title, and 2
	245	+	subject to the authority of the State Library Board, the State Library Agency has the 3
	246	+	powers and duties set forth in this section. 4
261	247
262		-	(ii) ~~Other desirable specialized~~ library ~~services;~~
	248	+	(b) The State Library Agency shall: 5
263	249
264		-	(8) Encourage, advise, and assist in establishing, operating, and
265		-	coordinating libraries at State institutions and agencies and administer the operation of
266		-	library and information services for the State Library Board;
	250	+	(1) Provide leadership and guidance for the planning and coordinated 6
	251	+	development of library and information service in this State; 7
267	252
268		-	(9) Administer the State grant program for county public library capital
269		-	projects, in accordance with § 23–509 of this title;
	253	+	(2) Develop statewide public and school library services and networks, 8
	254	+	resource centers, and other arrangements to meet the library and information needs of this 9
	255	+	State; 10
270	256
271		-	(10) ~~Adopt guidelines for the administration of public libraries~~ and
272		-	~~recommend to the~~ State ~~Library Board rules and regulations to implement this title;~~
	257	+	(3) Provide professional and technical advice on improving library services 11
	258	+	in this State to: 12
273	259
274		-	(11) ~~Cooperate with national~~ library ~~agencies and those of any other state~~;
	260	+	(i) Public and school library officials; 13
275	261
276		-	(12) Develop a Deaf Culture Digital Library in accordance with § 23–109 of
277		-	this subtitle; [and]
	262	+	(ii) Higher education and special library officials; 14
278	263
279		-	(13) ENSURE THAT EACH LIBR ARY AS DEFINED IN § 23–102.1 OF THIS
280		-	SUBTITLE THAT RECEIVES STATE FUNDS IS OPERAT ED IN A MANNER CONSI STENT
281		-	WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES; AND WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 130
	264	+	(iii) State government agencies; and 15
282	265
283		-	~~– 7 –~~
	266	+	(iv) Any other person; 16
284	267
285		-	(14) ~~Perform any~~ other ~~duty necessary for its proper operation.~~
	268	+	(4) (i) Collect library statistics and other data; 17
286	269
287		-	23–202.
	270	+	(ii) Identify library needs and provide for needed research and 18
	271	+	studies of them; and 19
288	272
289		-	(a) The boards of library trustees of at least three public library systems outside
290		-	the standard metropolitan statistical areas defined by the United States Bureau of the
291		-	Census may request the State Library Board to establish and maintain a regional resource
292		-	center.
	273	+	(iii) Coordinate library services with other information and education 20
	274	+	services and agencies; 21
293	275
294		-	(b) Each regional resource center shall provide, through mutual cooperation and
295		-	coordination, books, information, and other material and service resources that an
296		-	individual library cannot provide adequately by itself.
	276	+	(5) Administer federal and State funds appropriated to it by the State for 22
	277	+	library purposes; 23
297	278
298		-	(c) (1) ~~A region to be served by a regional resource center shall have a~~
299		-	~~population of at least 100,000.~~
	279	+	(6) (i) Develop and recommend professional standards and policies for 24
	280	+	libraries; and 25
300	281
301		-	(2) Subject to approval by the State Library Board, the boards of library
302		-	trustees of the participating library systems shall designate the library to serve as the
303		-	resource center.
	282	+	(ii) Establish requirements and procedures for the certification of 26
	283	+	librarians and library personnel; 27
304	284
305		-	(d) ~~(1) There is a board of advisors for each regional resource center that shall~~
306		-	~~act as the Regional Advisory Council.~~
	285	+	(7) Provide: 28
	286	+	SENATE BILL 738 7
307	287
308		-	(2) The Council consists of:
309	288
310		-	(i) The director of the regional resource center; and
	289	+	(i) Specialized library service to the blind and other print disabled 1
	290	+	individuals in this State; and 2
311	291
312		-	(ii) ~~The director of each member~~ library ~~system.~~
	292	+	(ii) Other desirable specialized library services; 3
313	293
314		-	(3) The Council for each regional resource center shall:
	294	+	(8) Encourage, advise, and assist in establishing, operating, and 4
	295	+	coordinating libraries at State institutions and agencies and administer the operation of 5
	296	+	library and information services for the State Library Board; 6
315	297
316		-	(i) Gather information on the resource needs of its region; and
	298	+	(9) Administer the State grant program for county public library capital 7
	299	+	projects, in accordance with § 23–509 of this title; 8
317	300
318		-	(ii) Promote the use of the regional resource center.
	301	+	(10) Adopt guidelines for the administration of public libraries and 9
	302	+	recommend to the State Library Board rules and regulations to implement this title; 10
319	303
320		-	(e) (1) The director of the regional resource center is the executive officer of
321		-	the regional resource center.
	304	+	(11) Cooperate with national library agencies and those of any other state; 11
322	305
323		-	(2) The director:
	306	+	(12) Develop a Deaf Culture Digital Library in accordance with § 23–109 of 12
	307	+	this subtitle; [and] 13
324	308
325		-	(i) Is appointed by the governing board established in accordance
326		-	with § 23–202.1 of this subtitle; and
	309	+	(13) ENSURE THAT EACH LIBR ARY AS DEFINED IN § 23–102.1 OF THIS 14
	310	+	SUBTITLE THAT RECEIVES STATE FUNDS IS OPERAT ED IN A MANNER CONSI STENT 15
	311	+	WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR LIBRARIES; AND 16
327	312
328		-	(ii) Shall serve at the pleasure of the governing board.
329		-	Ch. 130 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	313	+	(14) Perform any other duty necessary for its proper operation. 17
330	314
331		-	– 8 –
332		-	(3) The director shall:
	315	+	23–202. 18
333	316
334		-	(i) Be eligible for certification as a professional library director by
335		-	the State Superintendent of Schools as set forth in COMAR 14.38.01.01;
	317	+	(a) The boards of library trustees of at least three public library systems outside 19
	318	+	the standard metropolitan statistical areas defined by the United States Bureau of the 20
	319	+	Census may request the State Library Board to establish and maintain a regional resource 21
	320	+	center. 22
336	321
337		-	(ii) Have the powers and duties set forth in this title; and
	322	+	(b) Each regional resource center shall provide, through mutual cooperation and 23
	323	+	coordination, books, information, and other material and service resources that an 24
	324	+	individual library cannot provide adequately by itself. 25
338	325
339		-	(~~iii~~) ~~Appoint, promote,~~ ~~fix salaries,~~ ~~assign duties,~~ ~~and terminate~~
340		-	~~personnel~~ of ~~the regional resource center~~.
	326	+	(c) (1) A region to be served by a regional resource center shall have a 26
	327	+	population of at least 100,000. 27
341	328
342		-	(f) (1) The director shall operate the regional resource center in accordance
343		-	with:
	329	+	(2) Subject to approval by the State Library Board, the boards of library 28
	330	+	trustees of the participating library systems shall designate the library to serve as the 29
	331	+	resource center. 30
344	332
345		-	(i) The standards adopted by the State Library Board; and
	333	+	(d) (1) There is a board of advisors for each regional resource center that shall 31
	334	+	act as the Regional Advisory Council. 32 8 SENATE BILL 738
346	335
347		-	(ii) The policies adopted by the governing board.
348	336
349		-	(2) The director shall:
350	337
351		-	(i) Prepare and submit for the approval of the governing board the
352		-	annual budget of the regional resource center;
	338	+	(2) The Council consists of: 1
353	339
354		-	(ii) Adopt and submit for the approval of the governing board
355		-	reasonable rules and bylaws to carry out this section; and
	340	+	(i) The director of the regional resource center; and 2
356	341
357		-	(iii) Recommend to the governing board the purchase, condemnation,
358		-	rental, use, sale, or conveyance of property for any valid purpose under this section.
	342	+	(ii) The director of each member library system. 3
359	343
360		-	(~~g) (1~~) The ~~policies and procedures of the~~ regional resource center shall be:
	344	+	(3) The Council for each regional resource center shall: 4
361	345
362		-	[(1)] (I) Recommended by the board of trustees of the library designated
363		-	as the regional resource center; and
	346	+	(i) Gather information on the resource needs of its region; and 5
364	347
365		-	~~[(2)]~~ (II) ~~Approved by~~ the ~~Council~~.
	348	+	(ii) Promote the use of the regional resource center. 6
366	349
367		-	(2) THE POLICIES AND PROC EDURES FOR OPERATION OF THE
368		-	REGIONAL RESOURCE CE NTER SHALL BE CONSIS TENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS
369		-	FOR LIBRARIES.
	350	+	(e) (1) The director of the regional resource center is the executive officer of 7
	351	+	the regional resource center. 8
370	352
371		-	(h) ~~Each regional resource center shall~~:
	353	+	(2) The director: 9
372	354
373		-	(1) Make interlibrary loans of books and materials;
	355	+	(i) Is appointed by the governing board established in accordance 10
	356	+	with § 23–202.1 of this subtitle; and 11
374	357
375		-	(2) ~~Supply collections and exhibits~~ of ~~specialized materials;~~
	358	+	(ii) Shall serve at the pleasure of the governing board. 12
376	359
377		-	(3) ~~Provide consultant services;~~ ~~WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 130~~
	360	+	(3) The director shall: 13
378	361
379		-	– 9 –
	362	+	(i) Be eligible for certification as a professional library director by 14
	363	+	the State Superintendent of Schools as set forth in COMAR 14.38.01.01; 15
380	364
381		-	(4) ~~Organize~~ in~~–service training for library staffs~~; and
	365	+	(ii) Have the powers and duties set forth in this title; and 16
382	366
383		-	(5) Develop and operate cooperative services among libraries.
	367	+	(iii) Appoint, promote, fix salaries, assign duties, and terminate 17
	368	+	personnel of the regional resource center. 18
384	369
385		-	23–202.1.
	370	+	(f) (1) The director shall operate the regional resource center in accordance 19
	371	+	with: 20
386	372
387		-	(a) ~~There is a governing~~ board ~~for each regional resource center.~~
	373	+	(i) The standards adopted by the State Library Board; and 21
388	374
389		-	(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a governing
390		-	board consists of the following members:
	375	+	(ii) The policies adopted by the governing board. 22
391	376
392		-	(i) ~~A library trustee from each participating library system; and~~
	377	+	(2) The director shall: 23
393	378
394		-	(ii) ~~Up to one member~~ of the ~~public from each area served by~~ the
395		-	~~participating library systems.~~
	379	+	(i) Prepare and submit for the approval of the governing board the 24
	380	+	annual budget of the regional resource center; 25
396	381
397		-	(2) ~~(i)~~ The ~~board of trustees~~ of the ~~Washington County Free Library~~
398		-	~~shall act as the governing board for the Western Maryland Regional Resource Center.~~
	382	+	(ii) Adopt and submit for the approval of the governing board 26
	383	+	reasonable rules and bylaws to carry out this section; and 27 SENATE BILL 738 9
399	384
400		-	(ii) The bylaws adopted by the board of trustees of the Washington
401		-	County Free Library shall govern the composition, appointment, qualifications, terms, and
402		-	structure of the governing board.
403	385
404		-	(c) A member appointed to a governing board must:
405	386
406		-	(1) Be of good character;
	387	+	(iii) Recommend to the governing board the purchase, condemnation, 1
	388	+	rental, use, sale, or conveyance of property for any valid purpose under this section. 2
407	389
408		-	(2) ~~Have demonstrated ability~~ and ~~interest in library matters;~~ ~~and~~
	390	+	(g) (1) The policies and procedures of the regional resource center shall be: 3
409	391
410		-	(3) ~~Be a resident~~ of ~~one~~ of the ~~counties participating in and being served by~~
411		-	the regional resource center.
	392	+	[(1)] (I) Recommended by the board of trustees of the library designated 4
	393	+	as the regional resource center; and 5
412	394
413		-	(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the members of the
414		-	governing board shall be appointed by the governing board.
	395	+	[(2)] (II) Approved by the Council. 6
415	396
416		-	(2) The initial members of a governing board shall be appointed by the
417		-	Regional Advisory Council of the regional resource center.
	397	+	(2) THE POLICIES AND PROC EDURES FOR OPERATION OF THE 7
	398	+	REGIONAL RESOURCE CE NTER SHALL BE CONSIS TENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS 8
	399	+	FOR LIBRARIES. 9
418	400
419		-	(e) ~~A member of a governing board~~:
	401	+	(h) Each regional resource center shall: 10
420	402
421		-	(1) ~~May not receive compensation as a member~~ of ~~the governing board~~; ~~but~~
	403	+	(1) Make interlibrary loans of books and materials; 11
422	404
423		-	(2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the rules,
424		-	policies, and bylaws of the regional resource center.
425		-	Ch. 130 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	405	+	(2) Supply collections and exhibits of specialized materials; 12
426	406
427		-	– 10 –
428		-	(f) (1) Each member serves for a term of 5 years beginning July 1 immediately
429		-	following the member’s appointment and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
	407	+	(3) Provide consultant services; 13
430	408
431		-	(2) ~~A member may not serve~~ for ~~more than two consecutive terms.~~
	409	+	(4) Organize in–service training for library staffs; and 14
432	410
433		-	(3) (i) The governing board shall appoint a qualified individual to fill
434		-	any vacancy in the member’s position for the remainder of that term until a successor is
435		-	appointed and qualifies.
	411	+	(5) Develop and operate cooperative services among libraries. 15
436	412
437		-	(ii) A member appointed to fill a vacancy under subparagraph (i) of
438		-	this paragraph may serve for two additional terms.
	413	+	23–202.1. 16
439	414
440		-	(g) (1) A governing board shall elect a chair from among its members each
441		-	year.
	415	+	(a) There is a governing board for each regional resource center. 17
442	416
443		-	(2) A governing ~~board may elect any other officers determined necessary~~
444		-	by the ~~board.~~
	417	+	(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a governing 18
	418	+	board consists of the following members: 19
445	419
446		-	(3) If a governing board elects a treasurer, the treasurer shall be
447		-	appropriately bonded.
	420	+	(i) A library trustee from each participating library system; and 20
448	421
449		-	(h) (1) A governing board:
	422	+	(ii) Up to one member of the public from each area served by the 21
	423	+	participating library systems. 22
450	424
451		-	(i) Shall determine the time and place of its meetings; and
	425	+	(2) (i) The board of trustees of the Washington County Free Library 23
	426	+	shall act as the governing board for the Western Maryland Regional Resource Center. 24
452	427
453		-	(ii) May adopt rules for the conduct of its meetings.
	428	+	(ii) The bylaws adopted by the board of trustees of the Washington 25
	429	+	County Free Library shall govern the composition, appointment, qualifications, terms, and 26
	430	+	structure of the governing board. 27
	431	+	10 SENATE BILL 738
454	432
455		-	(2) A governing board shall meet at least once every 3 months.
456	433
457		-	(3) A governing board ~~is subject to the Open Meetings Act.~~
	434	+	(c) A member appointed to a governing board must: 1
458	435
459		-	(4) A majority of the appointed members of the governing board is a
460		-	quorum.
	436	+	(1) Be of good character; 2
461	437
462		-	(i) (1) A member of a governing board who fails to attend at least 50% of the
463		-	scheduled meetings of the board during any consecutive 12–month period shall be
464		-	considered to have resigned.
	438	+	(2) Have demonstrated ability and interest in library matters; and 3
465	439
466		-	(2) If the ~~member has been unable to attend meetings for reasons~~
467		-	~~satisfactory to~~ the ~~governing board,~~ ~~the governing board may waive the resignation~~.
	440	+	(3) Be a resident of one of the counties participating in and being served by 4
	441	+	the regional resource center. 5
468	442
469		-	(3) The chair of a governing board shall report the member’s name and
470		-	nonattendance to the State Library Board within 45 days after the end of the 12–month
471		-	period.
472		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 130
	443	+	(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the members of the 6
	444	+	governing board shall be appointed by the governing board. 7
473	445
474		-	– 11 –
475		-	(4) The governing board shall fill any vacancy in accordance with
476		-	subsection (f) of this section.
	446	+	(2) The initial members of a governing board shall be appointed by the 8
	447	+	Regional Advisory Council of the regional resource center. 9
477	448
478		-	(j) (1) In addition to the other powers expressly granted and duties imposed
479		-	by this subtitle, a governing board has the powers and duties set forth in this subsection.
	449	+	(e) A member of a governing board: 10
480	450
481		-	(2) A governing board ~~shall:~~
	451	+	(1) May not receive compensation as a member of the governing board; but 11
482	452
483		-	(i) ~~Select and appoint,~~ with the ~~advice of the State Librarian~~, a
484		-	~~professional librarian to serve as director~~ of the regional resource center;
	453	+	(2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the rules, 12
	454	+	policies, and bylaws of the regional resource center. 13
485	455
486		-	(ii) Determine the policies of the regional resource center;
	456	+	(f) (1) Each member serves for a term of 5 years beginning July 1 immediately 14
	457	+	following the member’s appointment and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. 15
487	458
488		-	(iii) Adopt reasonable rules and bylaws for the use of the regional
489		-	resource center and the conduct of its business;
	459	+	(2) A member may not serve for more than two consecutive terms. 16
490	460
491		-	(iv) Approve the regional resource center budget;
	461	+	(3) (i) The governing board shall appoint a qualified individual to fill 17
	462	+	any vacancy in the member’s position for the remainder of that term until a successor is 18
	463	+	appointed and qualifies. 19
492	464
493		-	(v) In accordance with the regulations and laws of the State, receive,
494		-	account for, control, and supervise the spending of all public funds received by the regional
495		-	resource center;
	465	+	(ii) A member appointed to fill a vacancy under subparagraph (i) of 20
	466	+	this paragraph may serve for two additional terms. 21
496	467
497		-	(VI) ADOPT AND FOLLOW A WRITTEN POLICY FOR OPERATION
498		-	OF THE REGIONAL RESO URCE CENTER THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE STATE
499		-	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES AND CONDUCT THE OPER ATION OF THE REGIONAL
500		-	RESOURCE CENTER IN A MAN NER CONSISTENT WITH THE WRITTEN POLICY;
	468	+	(g) (1) A governing board shall elect a chair from among its members each 22
	469	+	year. 23
501	470
502		-	~~[(vi)]~~ (~~VII~~) ~~Publish the results of the audit conducted under~~
503		-	~~paragraph (4)(ii) of this subsection; and~~
	471	+	(2) A governing board may elect any other officers determined necessary 24
	472	+	by the board. 25
504	473
505		-	~~[(vii)]~~ (~~VIII~~) ~~Submit~~ a ~~report to~~ the ~~State Librarian on or before~~
506		-	~~November 1 each year that includes:~~
	474	+	(3) If a governing board elects a treasurer, the treasurer shall be 26
	475	+	appropriately bonded. 27
507	476
508		-	1. The amount of money received from the library fund and
509		-	other sources;
	477	+	(h) (1) A governing board: 28
510	478
511		-	2. Itemized expenses;
	479	+	(i) Shall determine the time and place of its meetings; and 29
	480	+	SENATE BILL 738 11
512	481
513		-	3. The number of books and periodicals in the possession of
514		-	and owned by the regional resource center;
515	482
516		-	4. The ~~results~~ of ~~the annual audit;~~ ~~and~~
	483	+	(ii) May adopt rules for the conduct of its meetings. 1
517	484
518		-	5. Any other information required by the State Library
519		-	Board.
520		-	Ch. 130 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	485	+	(2) A governing board shall meet at least once every 3 months. 2
521	486
522		-	– 12 –
523		-	(3) A governing board may:
	487	+	(3) A governing board is subject to the Open Meetings Act. 3
524	488
525		-	(i) Apply, accept, and expend any gift, appropriation, or grant from
526		-	the State, county, or federal government or any other person on behalf of the regional
527		-	resource center;
	489	+	(4) A majority of the appointed members of the governing board is a 4
	490	+	quorum. 5
528	491
529		-	(ii) Recommend the purchase, condemnation, rental, acquisition,
530		-	use, or conveyance of property for any valid purpose under this section;
	492	+	(i) (1) A member of a governing board who fails to attend at least 50% of the 6
	493	+	scheduled meetings of the board during any consecutive 12–month period shall be 7
	494	+	considered to have resigned. 8
531	495
532		-	(iii) Recommend plans for the regional resource centers, including
533		-	the use of facilities of participating libraries, additions to the facilities of participating
534		-	libraries, or new facilities separate from the existing facilities of participating libraries;
	496	+	(2) If the member has been unable to attend meetings for reasons 9
	497	+	satisfactory to the governing board, the governing board may waive the resignation. 10
535	498
536		-	(iv) ~~Select~~ the ~~location~~ of ~~and approve plans for~~ the ~~erection of~~
537		-	~~regional resource center buildings, subject~~ to ~~the approval of~~ the State Library Board ~~and~~
538		-	~~the Governor;~~
	499	+	(3) The chair of a governing board shall report the member’s name and 11
	500	+	nonattendance to the State Library Board within 45 days after the end of the 12–month 12
	501	+	period. 13
539	502
540		-	(v) Make agreements with any person for any library service; and
	503	+	(4) The governing board shall fill any vacancy in accordance with 14
	504	+	subsection (f) of this section. 15
541	505
542		-	(vi) ~~Perform any~~ other ~~actions necessary for the proper control~~ and
543		-	~~development of~~ the ~~regional resource center~~.
	506	+	(j) (1) In addition to the other powers expressly granted and duties imposed 16
	507	+	by this subtitle, a governing board has the powers and duties set forth in this subsection. 17
544	508
545		-	(4) In addition to other reports that may be required by the State Library
546		-	Board, the Board shall:
	509	+	(2) A governing board shall: 18
547	510
548		-	(i) ~~Keep records that are consistent~~ with ~~sound business practices~~
549		-	~~and accounting records that use generally accepted accounting principles~~;
	511	+	(i) Select and appoint, with the advice of the State Librarian, a 19
	512	+	professional librarian to serve as director of the regional resource center; 20
550	513
551		-	(ii) Cause an audit by an independent certified public accountant
552		-	approved by the State Librarian to be made of the accounts and transactions of the regional
553		-	resource center at the conclusion of each fiscal year; and
	514	+	(ii) Determine the policies of the regional resource center; 21
554	515
555		-	(iii) For any State money, be subject to an audit by the Office of
556		-	Legislative Audits, in accordance with §§ 2–1220 through 2–1227 of the State Government
557		-	Article.
	516	+	(iii) Adopt reasonable rules and bylaws for the use of the regional 22
	517	+	resource center and the conduct of its business; 23
558	518
559		-	(K) THE GOVERNING BOARD M AY NOT DISMISS , SUSPEND, DISCIPLINE,
560		-	DEMOTE, REASSIGN, TRANSFER, OR OTHERWISE RETALIATE AG AINST AN EMPLOYEE
561		-	FOR ACTING IN A MANN ER CONSISTENT WITH T HE REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTER’S
562		-	WRITTEN POLICY IMPLE MENTING THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES.
	519	+	(iv) Approve the regional resource center budget; 24
563	520
564		-	23–205.
	521	+	(v) In accordance with the regulations and laws of the State, receive, 25
	522	+	account for, control, and supervise the spending of all public funds received by the regional 26
	523	+	resource center; 27
565	524
566		-	(a) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION , EACH year, the
567		-	State Library Board may include in its budget operating funds for:
568		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 130
	525	+	(VI) ADOPT AND FOLLOW A WRITTEN POLICY FOR OPERATION 28
	526	+	OF THE REGIONAL RESOURC E CENTER THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE STATE 29
	527	+	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES AND CONDUCT THE OPER ATION OF THE REGIONAL 30
	528	+	RESOURCE CENTER IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WI TH THE WRITTEN POLICY; 31 12 SENATE BILL 738
569	529
570		-	– 13 –
571		-	(1) The State Library Resource Center;
572	530
573		-	(2) Each regional resource center;
574	531
575		-	(3) The Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled;
	532	+	[(vi)] (VII) Publish the results of the audit conducted un der 1
	533	+	paragraph (4)(ii) of this subsection; and 2
576	534
577		-	(4) The Deaf Culture Digital Library; and
	535	+	[(vii)] (VIII) Submit a report to the State Librarian on or before 3
	536	+	November 1 each year that includes: 4
578	537
579		-	(5) Each metropolitan cooperative service program.
	538	+	1. The amount of money received from the library fund and 5
	539	+	other sources; 6
580	540
581		-	(b) (1) [The] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION , THE State
582		-	shall pay all capital expenses for:
	541	+	2. Itemized expenses; 7
583	542
584		-	(i) The State Library Resource Center; and
	543	+	3. The number of books and periodicals in the possession of 8
	544	+	and owned by the regional resource center; 9
585	545
586		-	~~(ii) Each regional resource center~~.
	546	+	4. The results of the annual audit; and 10
587	547
588		-	~~(2) Before~~ any ~~money is spent under this subsection,~~ the ~~appropriate board~~
589		-	~~of library trustees shall:~~
	548	+	5. Any other information required by the State Library 11
	549	+	Board. 12
590	550
591		-	(i) ~~Have the project approved by the State Library~~ Board;
	551	+	(3) A governing board may: 13
592	552
593		-	(ii) ~~Through the State Library Board~~, ~~submit the request to the~~
594		-	~~Department of Budget and Management for consideration under Title 3~~, ~~Subtitle 6~~ of the
595		-	~~State Finance and Procurement Article~~; ~~and~~
	553	+	(i) Apply, accept, and expend any gift, appropriation, or grant from 14
	554	+	the State, county, or federal government or any other person on behalf of the regional 15
	555	+	resource center; 16
596	556
597		-	(iii) Agree to reimburse the State Library Board an amount the State
598		-	Library Board determines if the facility ceases to be used for a resource center or
599		-	cooperative service program.
	557	+	(ii) Recommend the purchase, condemnation, rental, acquisition, 17
	558	+	use, or conveyance of property for any valid purpose under this section; 18
600	559
601		-	(c) ~~(1) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION~~, ~~EACH year~~
602		-	~~each~~ participating ~~regional resource center shall receive a minimum amount~~ of ~~funding for~~
603		-	~~each resident~~ of ~~the area served,~~ ~~to be used for operating and capital expenses.~~
	560	+	(iii) Recommend plans for the regional resource centers, including 19
	561	+	the use of facilities of participating libraries, additions to the facilities of participating 20
	562	+	libraries, or new facilities separate from the existing facilities of participating libraries; 21
604	563
605		-	(2) The allocation shall be calculated as follows:
	564	+	(iv) Select the location of and approve plans for the erection of 22
	565	+	regional resource center buildings, subject to the approval of the State Library Board and 23
	566	+	the Governor; 24
606	567
607		-	(i) For each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015............ $6.75 per each
608		-	resident of the area served;
	568	+	(v) Make agreements with any person for any library service; and 25
609	569
610		-	(ii) For ~~fiscal year 2016.................................................. $6.95 per each~~
611		-	~~resident~~ of the ~~area served;~~
	570	+	(vi) Perform any other actions necessary for the proper control and 26
	571	+	development of the regional resource center. 27
612	572
613		-	(iii) For fiscal year 2017.................................................. $7.15 per each
614		-	resident of the area served;
615		-	Ch. 130 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	573	+	(4) In addition to other reports that may be required by the State Library 28
	574	+	Board, the Board shall: 29
616	575
617		-	– 14 –
618		-	(iv) For fiscal year 2018.................................................. $7.55 per each
619		-	resident of the area served;
	576	+	(i) Keep records that are consistent with sound business practices 30
	577	+	and accounting records that use generally accepted accounting principles; 31 SENATE BILL 738 13
620	578
621		-	(v) For fiscal year 2019.................................................. $7.95 per each
622		-	resident of the area served;
623	579
624		-	(vi) For fiscal year 2020.................................................. $8.35 per each
625		-	resident of the area served;
626	580
627		-	(vii) For fiscal year 2021.................................................. $8.55 per each
628		-	resident of the area served;
	581	+	(ii) Cause an audit by an independent certified public accountant 1
	582	+	approved by the State Librarian to be made of the accounts and transactions of the regional 2
	583	+	resource center at the conclusion of each fiscal year; and 3
629	584
630		-	(viii) For fiscal year 2022.................................................. $8.75 per each
631		-	resident of the area served;
	585	+	(iii) For any State money, be subject to an audit by the Office of 4
	586	+	Legislative Audits, in accordance with §§ 2–1220 through 2–1227 of the State Government 5
	587	+	Article. 6
632	588
633		-	(ix) For fiscal year 2023.................................................. $9.19 per each
634		-	resident of the area served;
	589	+	(K) THE GOVERNING BOARD M AY NOT DISMISS , SUSPEND, DISCIPLINE, 7
	590	+	DEMOTE, REASSIGN, TRANSFER, OR OTHERWISE RETALIA TE AGAINST AN EMPLOY EE 8
	591	+	FOR ACTING IN A MANN ER CONSISTENT WITH T HE REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTER’S 9
	592	+	WRITTEN POLICY IMPLEMENTING THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES. 10
635	593
636		-	(x) For fiscal year 2024.................................................. $9.39 per each
637		-	resident of the area served;
	594	+	23–205. 11
638	595
639		-	(xi) ~~For fiscal year 2025.................................................. $9.59 per~~ each
640		-	~~resident of the area served;~~
	596	+	(a) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION , EACH year, the 12
	597	+	State Library Board may include in its budget operating funds for: 13
641	598
642		-	(xii) For fiscal year 2026.................................................. $9.79 per each
643		-	resident of the area served; and
	599	+	(1) The State Library Resource Center; 14
644	600
645		-	(xiii) For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year
646		-	thereafter............................................................................................................ $9.99 per each
647		-	resident of the area served.
	601	+	(2) Each regional resource center; 15
648	602
649		-	(d) (1) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECT ION (G) OF THIS SECTION, EACH year
650		-	the State Library Resource Center shall receive a minimum amount of funding for each
651		-	State resident in the previous fiscal year, to be used for operating and capital expenses.
	603	+	(3) The Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled; 16
652	604
653		-	(2) The ~~allocation shall be calculated as follows:~~
	605	+	(4) The Deaf Culture Digital Library; and 17
654	606
655		-	(i) For each of fiscal years 2010 through 2016............ $1.67 per State
656		-	resident;
	607	+	(5) Each metropolitan cooperative service program. 18
657	608
658		-	(ii) ~~For fiscal year 2017................................................. $1.69 per~~ State
659		-	~~resident;~~
	609	+	(b) (1) [The] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION , THE State 19
	610	+	shall pay all capital expenses for: 20
660	611
661		-	(iii) For fiscal year 2018................................................. $1.73 per State
662		-	resident;
663		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 130
	612	+	(i) The State Library Resource Center; and 21
664	613
665		-	– 15 –
666		-	(iv) For fiscal year 2019................................................. $1.77 per State
667		-	resident;
	614	+	(ii) Each regional resource center. 22
668	615
669		-	(v) ~~For fiscal year 2020................................................. $1.81 per State~~
670		-	~~resident;~~
	616	+	(2) Before any money is spent under this subsection, the appropriate board 23
	617	+	of library trustees shall: 24
671	618
672		-	(vi) For fiscal year 2021................................................. $1.85 per State
673		-	resident;
	619	+	(i) Have the project approved by the State Library Board; 25
674	620
675		-	(vii) For fiscal year 2022................................................. $1.89 per State
676		-	resident;
	621	+	(ii) Through the State Library Board, submit the request to the 26
	622	+	Department of Budget and Management for consideration under Title 3, Subtitle 6 of the 27
	623	+	State Finance and Procurement Article; and 28
	624	+	14 SENATE BILL 738
677	625
678		-	(viii) For fiscal year 2023................................................. $1.93 per State
679		-	resident; and
680	626
681		-	(ix) ~~For fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year~~
682		-	~~thereafter........................................................................................................... $1.97 per State~~
683		-	~~resident~~.
	627	+	(iii) Agree to reimburse the State Library Board an amount the State 1
	628	+	Library Board determines if the facility ceases to be used for a resource center or 2
	629	+	cooperative service program. 3
684	630
685		-	(e) [Beginning] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION, BEGINNING
686		-	in fiscal year 2016 and in each fiscal year thereafter, the Maryland Library for the Blind
687		-	and Print Disabled shall receive an amount equivalent to at least 25% of the amount
688		-	received by the State Library Resource Center for the same fiscal year under subsection (d)
689		-	of this section.
	631	+	(c) (1) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION, EACH year 4
	632	+	each participating regional resource center shall receive a minimum amount of funding for 5
	633	+	each resident of the area served, to be used for operating and capital expenses. 6
690	634
691		-	(~~f) (1~~) The ~~State Library Board~~ shall:
	635	+	(2) The allocation shall be calculated as follows: 7
692	636
693		-	(i) Disburse funds to the State and regional resource centers, the
694		-	Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, and metropolitan cooperative service
695		-	programs; and
	637	+	(i) For each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015............ $6.75 per each 8
	638	+	resident of the area served; 9
696	639
697		-	(ii) ~~Require that these funds be used subject to any conditions~~
698		-	~~specified by~~ the ~~appropriating agency or imposed under this subtitle.~~
	640	+	(ii) For fiscal year 2016.................................................. $6.95 per each 10
	641	+	resident of the area served; 11
699	642
700		-	(2) The State Library Board may authorize the State Comptroller to
701		-	withhold funds from any regional resource center or metropolitan cooperative service
702		-	program that fails to meet the standards adopted by the State Library Board.
	643	+	(iii) For fiscal year 2017.................................................. $7.15 per each 12
	644	+	resident of the area served; 13
703	645
704		-	(G) (1) RECEIPT OF FUNDING UN DER THIS SECTION IS CONTINGENT ON A
705		-	LIBRARY, RESOURCE CENTER , OR METROPOLITAN COOPERATIVE SERVICE
706		-	PROGRAM ADOPTING A W RITTEN POLICY FOR OPERATION OF THE LIBRARY,
707		-	CENTER, OR PROGRAM THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR
708		-	LIBRARIES.
	646	+	(iv) For fiscal year 2018.................................................. $7.55 per each 14
	647	+	resident of the area served; 15
709	648
710		-	(2) ~~THE STATE LIBRARIAN SHALL AUTHO RIZE THE STATE~~
711		-	~~COMPTROLLER TO WITHHO LD STATE FUNDS FROM A LI BRARY, RESOURCE CENTER , Ch. 130 2024 LAWS~~ OF ~~MARYLAND~~
	649	+	(v) For fiscal year 2019.................................................. $7.95 per each 16
	650	+	resident of the area served; 17
712	651
713		-	– 16 –
714		-	OR COOPERATIVE SERVI CE PROGRAM THAT DOES NOT ADOPT A WRITTEN POLICY
715		-	THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES
	652	+	(vi) For fiscal year 2020.................................................. $8.35 per each 18
	653	+	resident of the area served; 19
716	654
717		-	(I) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL WIT HHOLD ALL STATE FUNDS
718		-	FROM ANY REGIONAL RE SOURCE CENTER OR MET ROPOLITAN COOPERATIV E
719		-	SERVICE PROGRAM THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD CERTIFIES HAS F AILED TO
720		-	MEET THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES.
	655	+	(vii) For fiscal year 2021.................................................. $8.55 per each 20
	656	+	resident of the area served; 21
721	657
722		-	(II) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL CON TINUE TO WITHHOLD
723		-	FUNDS UNDER SUBPARAG RAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH UNTIL THE STATE LIBRARY
724		-	BOARD CERTIFIES THAT THE REGIONAL RESOURC E CENTER OR METROPOL ITAN
725		-	COOPERATIVE SERVICE PROGRAM HAS ADOPTED A WRITTEN POLICY CON SISTENT
726		-	WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES.
	658	+	(viii) For fiscal year 2022.................................................. $8.75 per each 22
	659	+	resident of the area served; 23
727	660
728		-	23–406.
	661	+	(ix) For fiscal year 2023.................................................. $9.19 per each 24
	662	+	resident of the area served; 25
729	663
730		-	(a) Each board of library trustees:
	664	+	(x) For fiscal year 2024.................................................. $9.39 per each 26
	665	+	resident of the area served; 27
731	666
732		-	(1) ~~Shall select and appoint a professional librarian eligible~~ for ~~certification~~
733		-	~~as director~~ of the ~~library to serve at the pleasure of the board~~; ~~and~~
	667	+	(xi) For fiscal year 2025.................................................. $9.59 per each 28
	668	+	resident of the area served; 29
734	669
735		-	(2) May delegate to the director its authority to appoint any other
736		-	necessary employees.
	670	+	(xii) For fiscal year 2026.................................................. $9.79 per each 30
	671	+	resident of the area served; and 31
	672	+	SENATE BILL 738 15
737	673
738		-	(b) Each board of library trustees shall establish policies for:
739	674
740		-	(1) Staff classification;
	675	+	(xiii) For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year 1
	676	+	thereafter............................................................................................................ $9.99 per each 2
	677	+	resident of the area served. 3
741	678
742		-	(2) Salaries;
	679	+	(d) (1) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION, EACH year 4
	680	+	the State Library Resource Center shall receive a minimum amount of funding for each 5
	681	+	State resident in the previous fiscal year, to be used for operating and capital expenses. 6
743	682
744		-	(3) ~~Work conditions;~~
	683	+	(2) The allocation shall be calculated as follows: 7
745	684
746		-	(4) Suspension with pay;
	685	+	(i) For each of fiscal years 2010 through 2016............ $1.67 per State 8
	686	+	resident; 9
747	687
748		-	(5) Grievance procedures;
	688	+	(ii) For fiscal year 2017................................................. $1.69 per State 10
	689	+	resident; 11
749	690
750		-	(6) Benefits, including vacation and sick leave;
	691	+	(iii) For fiscal year 2018................................................. $1.73 per State 12
	692	+	resident; 13
751	693
752		-	(7) Hours of work; and
	694	+	(iv) For fiscal year 2019................................................. $1.77 per State 14
	695	+	resident; 15
753	696
754		-	(8) ~~Any other personnel procedures and practices necessary~~ for ~~the efficient~~
755		-	~~operation of the library.~~
	697	+	(v) For fiscal year 2020................................................. $1.81 per State 16
	698	+	resident; 17
756	699
757		-	(c) ~~Each professional public librarian appointee to the professional library staff:~~
758		-	~~WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 130~~
	700	+	(vi) For fiscal year 2021................................................. $1.85 per State 18
	701	+	resident; 19
759	702
760		-	– 17 –
761		-	(1) Shall hold a certificate of library qualifications issued by the State
762		-	Superintendent; or
	703	+	(vii) For fiscal year 2022................................................. $1.89 per State 20
	704	+	resident; 21
763	705
764		-	(2) ~~(i) Shall be eligible~~ for State ~~certification as a professional public~~
765		-	~~librarian~~; and
	706	+	(viii) For fiscal year 2023................................................. $1.93 per State 22
	707	+	resident; and 23
766	708
767		-	(ii) Shall apply for certification within 6 months of starting
768		-	employment.
	709	+	(ix) For fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year 24
	710	+	thereafter........................................................................................................... $1.97 per State 25
	711	+	resident. 26
769	712
770		-	(d) (1) The director or the director’s designee may suspend a library employee
771		-	without pay for a specified period up to 10 working days, for the following reasons:
	713	+	(e) [Beginning] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION, BEGINNING 27
	714	+	in fiscal year 2016 and in each fiscal year thereafter, the Maryland Library for the Blind 28
	715	+	and Print Disabled shall receive an amount equivalent to at least 25% of the amount 29
	716	+	received by the State Library Resource Center for the same fiscal year under subsection (d) 30
	717	+	of this section. 31
772	718
773		-	(i) Misconduct in office;
	719	+	(f) (1) The State Library Board shall: 32
	720	+	16 SENATE BILL 738
774	721
775		-	(ii) Insubordination;
776	722
777		-	(iii) Incompetency; or
	723	+	(i) Disburse funds to the State and regional resource centers, the 1
	724	+	Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, and metropolitan cooperative service 2
	725	+	programs; and 3
778	726
779		-	(iv) Willful neglect of duty.
	727	+	(ii) Require that these funds be used subject to any conditions 4
	728	+	specified by the appropriating agency or imposed under this subtitle. 5
780	729
781		-	(2) (i) The director or the director’s designee shall give the suspended
782		-	employee a written statement that specifies the reasons for the suspension.
	730	+	(2) The State Library Board may authorize the State Comptroller to 6
	731	+	withhold funds from any regional resource center or metropolitan cooperative service 7
	732	+	program that fails to meet the standards adopted by the State Library Board. 8
783	733
784		-	(ii) The director or the director’s designee shall place a copy of the
785		-	written statement that specifies the reasons for the suspension in the employee’s official
786		-	personnel file.
	734	+	(G) (1) RECEIPT OF FUNDING UN DER THIS SECTION IS CONTINGENT ON A 9
	735	+	LIBRARY, RESOURCE CENTER , OR METROPOLITAN COOPERATIVE SERVICE 10
	736	+	PROGRAM ADOPTING A W RITTEN POLICY FOR OPERATION OF THE LIBRARY, 11
	737	+	CENTER, OR PROGRAM THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR 12
	738	+	LIBRARIES. 13
787	739
788		-	(3) (i) The employee shall have the opportunity to reply in writing to
789		-	the director within 10 working days after the employee receives notice of the suspension.
	740	+	(2) THE STATE LIBRARIAN SHALL AUTHO RIZE THE STATE 14
	741	+	COMPTROLLER TO WITHHO LD STATE FUNDS FROM A LI BRARY, RESOURCE CENTER , 15
	742	+	OR COOPERATIVE SERVICE PROGRAM THAT DOES NOT ADOPT A WRI TTEN POLICY 16
	743	+	THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES 17
790	744
791		-	(ii) The employee may request a hearing before the board of trustees
792		-	within 10 working days after receiving notice of the suspension.
	745	+	(I) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL WIT HHOLD ALL STATE FUNDS 18
	746	+	FROM ANY REGIONAL RE SOURCE CENTER OR MET ROPOLITAN COOPERATIV E 19
	747	+	SERVICE PROGRAM THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD CERTIFIES HAS F AILED TO 20
	748	+	MEET THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES. 21
793	749
794		-	(iii) If the employee requests a hearing within the 10–day period, the
795		-	board shall promptly hold a hearing, but a hearing may not be set within 10 working days
796		-	after the board sends the employee a notice of the hearing.
	750	+	(II) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL CON TINUE TO WITHHOLD 22
	751	+	FUNDS UNDER SUBPARAG RAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH UN TIL THE STATE LIBRARY 23
	752	+	BOARD CERTIFIES THAT THE REGIONAL RESOURC E CENTER OR METROPOLITAN 24
	753	+	COOPERATIVE SERVICE PROGRAM HAS ADOPTED A WRITTEN POLICY CON SISTENT 25
	754	+	WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES. 26
797	755
798		-	(4) If an employee is suspended without pay and found not guilty of the
799		-	reasons for the suspension, the board shall refund all pay benefits lost by reason of the
800		-	suspension to the employee.
	756	+	23–406. 27
801	757
802		-	(5) Suspension of an employee with pay shall be as provided by the library’s
803		-	personnel policy.
804		-	Ch. 130 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	758	+	(a) Each board of library trustees: 28
805	759
806		-	– 18 –
807		-	(e) (1) On written recommendation of the library director, each board of
808		-	library trustees may dismiss any library employee under its jurisdiction for any of the
809		-	following reasons:
	760	+	(1) Shall select and appoint a professional librarian eligible for certification 29
	761	+	as director of the library to serve at the pleasure of the board; and 30
810	762
811		-	(i) Misconduct in office;
	763	+	(2) May delegate to the director its authority to appoint any other 31
	764	+	necessary employees. 32
812	765
813		-	(ii) Insubordination;
	766	+	(b) Each board of library trustees shall establish policies for: 33
	767	+	SENATE BILL 738 17
814	768
815		-	(iii) Incompetency; or
816	769
817		-	(iv) ~~Willful neglect of duty.~~
	770	+	(1) Staff classification; 1
818	771
819		-	(2) (i) Before removing an employee, the director shall send the
820		-	employee a written copy of the charges against the employee and give the employee an
821		-	opportunity to request a hearing before the board within 10 working days.
	772	+	(2) Salaries; 2
822	773
823		-	(ii) If the employee requests a hearing within the 10–day period the
824		-	board promptly shall hold a hearing, but a hearing may not be set within 10 working days
825		-	after the board sends the employee a notice of the hearing.
	774	+	(3) Work conditions; 3
826	775
827		-	(iii) The employee shall have an opportunity to be heard publicly
828		-	before the board in his own defense, in person or by counsel and to bring witnesses to the
829		-	hearing.
	776	+	(4) Suspension with pay; 4
830	777
831		-	(3) ~~If the board votes to remove the employee and:~~
	778	+	(5) Grievance procedures; 5
832	779
833		-	(i) ~~The decision is unanimous~~, ~~the decision of the board is final~~; or
	780	+	(6) Benefits, including vacation and sick leave; 6
834	781
835		-	(ii) The decision is not unanimous, the employee may appeal to the
836		-	State Library Board through the State Librarian.
	782	+	(7) Hours of work; and 7
837	783
838		-	(F) IF THE BOARD OF LIBRA RY TRUSTEES ADOPTS A WRITTEN POLICY
839		-	CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES, AN EMPLOYEE MAY NOT
840		-	BE DISMISSED, SUSPENDED, DISCIPLINED, DEMOTED, REASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED ,
841		-	OR OTHERWISE RETALIA TED AGAINST FOR ACTING IN A MANNER PERFORMING
842		-	THEIR JOB DUTIES CONSISTENT WITH THE ADOPTED WRITTEN POLI CY.
	784	+	(8) Any other personnel procedures and practices necessary for the efficient 8
	785	+	operation of the library. 9
843	786
844		-	~~[(f)]~~ (G) The ~~director of each~~ library ~~shall~~:
	787	+	(c) Each professional public librarian appointee to the professional library staff: 10
845	788
846		-	(1) Act as the general executive officer of the library and be responsible for
847		-	the management of its operations in accordance with policies approved by the board of
848		-	library trustees;
	789	+	(1) Shall hold a certificate of library qualifications issued by the State 11
	790	+	Superintendent; or 12
849	791
850		-	(2) Prepare the annual budget of the library, and present it to the board for
851		-	approval;
852		-	WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 130
	792	+	(2) (i) Shall be eligible for State certification as a professional public 13
	793	+	librarian; and 14
853	794
854		-	– 19 –
855		-	(3) Nominate for appointment all library employees in the county library
856		-	system; and
	795	+	(ii) Shall apply for certification within 6 months of starting 15
	796	+	employment. 16
857	797
858		-	(4) ~~Establish reasonable rules and adopt regulations for~~ the ~~use of~~ the
859		-	~~library system subject~~ to ~~approval by~~ the ~~board of library trustees.~~
	798	+	(d) (1) The director or the director’s designee may suspend a library employee 17
	799	+	without pay for a specified period up to 10 working days, for the following reasons: 18
860	800
861		-	~~23–408.~~
	801	+	(i) Misconduct in office; 19
862	802
863		-	(a) A person may not KNOWINGLY AND unlawfully take, detain, mutilate, injure,
864		-	or disfigure any book, map, picture, engraving, manuscript, or other property of any library.
	803	+	(ii) Insubordination; 20
865	804
866		-	(b) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on
867		-	conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding [$250] $1,000, imprisonment not exceeding 3
868		-	months, or both.
	805	+	(iii) Incompetency; or 21
869	806
870		-	~~23–503~~.
	807	+	(iv) Willful neglect of duty. 22
871	808
872		-	(a) (1) The ~~entire capital and operating cost of~~ the ~~minimum library program~~
873		-	~~for this State as~~ a ~~whole shall be shared as provided in this subsection~~.
	809	+	(2) (i) The director or the director’s designee shall give the suspended 23
	810	+	employee a written statement that specifies the reasons for the suspension. 24
874	811
875		-	(2) [The] SUBJECT TO SUBS ECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION , THE State
876		-	shall provide:
	812	+	(ii) The director or the director’s designee shall place a copy of the 25
	813	+	written statement that specifies the reasons for the suspension in the employee’s official 26
	814	+	personnel file. 27
	815	+	18 SENATE BILL 738
877	816
878		-	(i) Approximately 40 percent of the total cost of the minimum
879		-	program; and
880	817
881		-	(ii) ~~Not less than 20 percent of~~ the ~~cost of~~ the ~~minimum program~~ in
882		-	~~any county~~.
	818	+	(3) (i) The employee shall have the opportunity to reply in writing to 1
	819	+	the director within 10 working days after the employee receives notice of the suspension. 2
883	820
884		-	(3) The counties participating in the program together shall provide
885		-	through local taxes approximately 60 percent of the total statewide cost of the minimum
886		-	program.
	821	+	(ii) The employee may request a hearing before the board of trustees 3
	822	+	within 10 working days after receiving notice of the suspension. 4
887	823
888		-	(b) ~~(1) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION~~ , ~~EACH~~
889		-	~~county public library system that participates in the minimum library program~~ shall be
890		-	~~provided for each resident~~ of the ~~county, to be used for operating and capital expenses:~~
	824	+	(iii) If the employee requests a hearing within the 10–day period, the 5
	825	+	board shall promptly hold a hearing, but a hearing may not be set within 10 working days 6
	826	+	after the board sends the employee a notice of the hearing. 7
891	827
892		-	(i) For each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015 – $14.00;
	828	+	(4) If an employee is suspended without pay and found not guilty of the 8
	829	+	reasons for the suspension, the board shall refund all pay benefits lost by reason of the 9
	830	+	suspension to the employee. 10
893	831
894		-	(ii) For fiscal year 2016 – $14.27;
	832	+	(5) Suspension of an employee with pay shall be as provided by the library’s 11
	833	+	personnel policy. 12
895	834
896		-	(iii) For fiscal year 2017 – $14.54;
	835	+	(e) (1) On written recommendation of the library director, each board of 13
	836	+	library trustees may dismiss any library employee under its jurisdiction for any of the 14
	837	+	following reasons: 15
897	838
898		-	(iv) ~~For fiscal year 2018 – $15.00~~;
	839	+	(i) Misconduct in office; 16
899	840
900		-	(v) ~~For fiscal year 2019 – $15.50~~; ~~Ch. 130 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND~~
	841	+	(ii) Insubordination; 17
901	842
902		-	~~– 20 –~~
	843	+	(iii) Incompetency; or 18
903	844
904		-	(vi) ~~For fiscal year 2020 – $16.00;~~
	845	+	(iv) Willful neglect of duty. 19
905	846
906		-	(vii) For fiscal year 2021 – $16.43;
	847	+	(2) (i) Before removing an employee, the director shall send the 20
	848	+	employee a written copy of the charges against the employee and give the employee an 21
	849	+	opportunity to request a hearing before the board within 10 working days. 22
907	850
908		-	(viii) For fiscal year 2022 – $17.10;
	851	+	(ii) If the employee requests a hearing within the 10–day period the 23
	852	+	board promptly shall hold a hearing, but a hearing may not be set within 10 working days 24
	853	+	after the board sends the employee a notice of the hearing. 25
909	854
910		-	(ix) For fiscal year 2023 – $17.50;
	855	+	(iii) The employee shall have an opportunity to be heard publicly 26
	856	+	before the board in his own defense, in person or by counsel and to bring witnesses to the 27
	857	+	hearing. 28
911	858
912		-	(x) ~~For fiscal year 2024 – $17.90;~~
	859	+	(3) If the board votes to remove the employee and: 29
913	860
914		-	(xi) ~~For fiscal year 2025 – $18.30~~;
	861	+	(i) The decision is unanimous, the decision of the board is final; or 30
915	862
916		-	(xii) For fiscal year 2026 – $18.70; and
	863	+	(ii) The decision is not unanimous, the employee may appeal to the 31
	864	+	State Library Board through the State Librarian. 32 SENATE BILL 738 19
917	865
918		-	(xiii) For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter – $19.10.
919	866
920		-	(2) (i) [The] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION , THE
921		-	State shall share in this amount.
922	867
923		-	(ii) Any county may provide an amount greater than its share under
924		-	the cooperative program, but the State may not share in the excess.
	868	+	(F) IF THE BOARD OF LIBRA RY TRUSTEES ADOPTS A WRITTEN POLICY 1
	869	+	CONSISTENT WITH TH E STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES, AN EMPLOYEE MAY NOT 2
	870	+	BE DISMISSED, SUSPENDED, DISCIPLINED, DEMOTED, REASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED , 3
	871	+	OR OTHERWISE RETALIA TED AGAINST FOR ACTING IN A MANNER PERFORMING 4
	872	+	THEIR JOB DUTIES CONSISTENT WITH THE ADOPTED WRITTEN POLI CY. 5
925	873
926		-	(c) Any employer Social Security contributions required by federal law for any
927		-	employee in a county public library system shall remain the obligation of the employer.
	874	+	[(f)] (G) The director of each library shall: 6
928	875
929		-	(D) (1) RECEIPT OF STATE FUNDING FOR A C OUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
930		-	THAT PARTICIPATES IN THE MINIMUM LIBRARY PROGRAM UNDER THIS SECTIO N IS
931		-	CONTINGENT ON THE BO ARD OF LIBRARY TRUST EES ADOPTING A WRITT EN POLICY
932		-	FOR OPERATION OF THE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTE M THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE
933		-	STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES.
	876	+	(1) Act as the general executive officer of the library and be responsible for 7
	877	+	the management of its operations in accordance with policies approved by the board of 8
	878	+	library trustees; 9
934	879
935		-	(2) THE STATE LIBRARIAN SHALL AUTHO RIZE THE STATE
936		-	COMPTROLLER TO WITHHO LD STATE FUNDS FROM A CO UNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
937		-	SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT ADOPT A WRITTEN POLI CY THAT IS CONSISTEN T WITH THE
938		-	STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES
	880	+	(2) Prepare the annual budget of the library, and present it to the board for 10
	881	+	approval; 11
939	882
940		-	(I) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL WIT HHOLD ALL STATE FUNDS
941		-	FROM A COUNTY LIBRAR Y SYSTEM THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD CERTIFIES
942		-	HAS FAILED TO MEET T HE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES.
	883	+	(3) Nominate for appointment all library employees in the county library 12
	884	+	system; and 13
943	885
944		-	(II) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL CON TINUE TO WITHHOLD
945		-	FUNDS UNDER SUBPARAG RAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH UN TIL THE STATE LIBRARY
946		-	BOARD CERTIFIES THAT THE COUNTY LIBRARY S YSTEM HAS ADOPTED A WRI TTEN
947		-	POLICY CONSISTENT WI TH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 130
	886	+	(4) Establish reasonable rules and adopt regulations for the use of the 14
	887	+	library system subject to approval by the board of library trustees. 15
948	888
949		-	– ~~21 –~~
	889	+	23–408. 16
950	890
951		-	23–506.
	891	+	(a) A person may not KNOWINGLY AND unlawfully take, detain, mutilate, injure, 17
	892	+	or disfigure any book, map, picture, engraving, manuscript, or other property of any library. 18
952	893
953		-	(a) The State Librarian shall authorize the payment of funds under this subtitle:
	894	+	(b) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on 19
	895	+	conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding [$250] $1,000, imprisonment not exceeding 3 20
	896	+	months, or both. 21
954	897
955		-	(1) To the board of library trustees of each county that has a board of
956		-	trustees; or
	898	+	23–503. 22
957	899
958		-	(2) ~~In each county that does not have a board~~ of library ~~trustees, to the~~
959		-	~~county~~.
	900	+	(a) (1) The entire capital and operating cost of the minimum library program 23
	901	+	for this State as a whole shall be shared as provided in this subsection. 24
960	902
961		-	(b) (1) ~~Current operating funds shall be administered by~~ the ~~county board of~~
962		-	~~library trustees.~~
	903	+	(2) [The] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION , THE State 25
	904	+	shall provide: 26
963	905
964		-	(2) ~~Capital expense funds shall be administered by~~ the ~~county council,~~
965		-	~~board of county commissioners, or Mayor~~ and ~~City Council of Baltimore City.~~
	906	+	(i) Approximately 40 percent of the total cost of the minimum 27
	907	+	program; and 28
966	908
967		-	(c) (1) The funds provided under this subtitle may be used only for library
968		-	purposes.
	909	+	(ii) Not less than 20 percent of the cost of the minimum program in 29
	910	+	any county. 30
	911	+	20 SENATE BILL 738
969	912
970		-	(2) The State Librarian shall require that these funds be used subject to
971		-	[any]:
972	913
973		-	(I) THE ADOPTION OF A WRI TTEN POLICY FOR OPERATION OF
974		-	THE COUNTY LIBRARY S YSTEM CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR
975		-	LIBRARIES BY EACH BO ARD OF LIBRARY TRUST EES OR, IF THE COUNTY DOES N OT
976		-	HAVE A BOARD OF LIBR ARY TRUSTEES , THE COUNTY GOVERNMEN T; AND
	914	+	(3) The counties participating in the program together shall provide 1
	915	+	through local taxes approximately 60 percent of the total statewide cost of the minimum 2
	916	+	program. 3
977	917
978		-	(II) ANY OTHER conditions specified by the appropriating agency or
979		-	imposed under this subtitle.
	918	+	(b) (1) [Each] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION , EACH 4
	919	+	county public library system that participates in the minimum library program shall be 5
	920	+	provided for each resident of the county, to be used for operating and capital expenses: 6
980	921
981		-	23–~~507~~.
	922	+	(i) For each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015 – $14.00; 7
982	923
983		-	(A) The State Librarian shall authorize the State Comptroller to withhold State
984		-	funds from any county that fails:
	924	+	(ii) For fiscal year 2016 – $14.27; 8
985	925
986		-	(1) ~~To appropriate the amount of its share of the minimum program~~; or
	926	+	(iii) For fiscal year 2017 – $14.54; 9
987	927
988		-	(2) To meet the requirements of the law or of the State Library Board for
989		-	operating the county library, INCLUDING THE REQUIR EMENT THAT THE COUNT Y
990		-	LIBRARY BE OPERATED IN A MANNER THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE
991		-	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES.
	928	+	(iv) For fiscal year 2018 – $15.00; 10
992	929
993		-	(B) (1) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL WIT HHOLD ALL STATE FUNDS FROM A
994		-	COUNTY THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD CERTIFIES HAS F AILED TO OPERATE Ch. 130 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
	930	+	(v) For fiscal year 2019 – $15.50; 11
995	931
996		-	– 22 –
997		-	THE COUNTY LIBRARY S YSTEM CONSISTENT WIT H THE STATE STANDARDS FOR
998		-	LIBRARIES.
	932	+	(vi) For fiscal year 2020 – $16.00; 12
999	933
1000		-	(2) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL CON TINUE TO WITHHOLD FU NDS
1001		-	UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION U NTIL THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD
1002		-	CERTIFIES THAT THE C OUNTY HAS ADOPTED A WRITTEN POLICY FOR T HE
1003		-	OPERATION OF THE COU NTY LIBRARY SYSTEM C ONSISTENT WITH THE STATE
1004		-	STANDARDS FOR LIBRARIES.
	934	+	(vii) For fiscal year 2021 – $16.43; 13
1005	935
1006		-	SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July
1007		-	1, 2024 is an emergency measure, is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public
1008		-	health or safety, has been passed by a yea and nay vote supported by three–fifths of all the
1009		-	members elected to each of the two Houses of the General Assembly, and shall take effect
1010		-	from the date it is enacted.
	936	+	(viii) For fiscal year 2022 – $17.10; 14
1011	937
1012		-	Approved by the Governor, April 25, 2024.
	938	+	(ix) For fiscal year 2023 – $17.50; 15
	939	+
	940	+	(x) For fiscal year 2024 – $17.90; 16
	941	+
	942	+	(xi) For fiscal year 2025 – $18.30; 17
	943	+
	944	+	(xii) For fiscal year 2026 – $18.70; and 18
	945	+
	946	+	(xiii) For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter – $19.10. 19
	947	+
	948	+	(2) (i) [The] SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION , THE 20
	949	+	State shall share in this amount. 21
	950	+
	951	+	(ii) Any county may provide an amount greater than its share under 22
	952	+	the cooperative program, but the State may not share in the excess. 23
	953	+
	954	+	(c) Any employer Social Security contributions required by federal law for any 24
	955	+	employee in a county public library system shall remain the obligation of the employer. 25
	956	+
	957	+	(D) (1) RECEIPT OF STATE FUNDING FOR A C OUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM 26
	958	+	THAT PARTICIPATES IN TH E MINIMUM LIBRARY PR OGRAM UNDER THIS SEC TION IS 27
	959	+	CONTINGENT ON THE BO ARD OF LIBRARY TRUST EES ADOPTING A WRITT EN POLICY 28 SENATE BILL 738 21
	960	+
	961	+
	962	+	FOR OPERATION OF THE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTE M THAT IS CONSISTENT W ITH THE 1
	963	+	STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES. 2
	964	+
	965	+	(2) THE STATE LIBRARIAN SHALL AUTHO RIZE THE STATE 3
	966	+	COMPTROLLER TO WITHHO LD STATE FUNDS FROM A CO UNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 4
	967	+	SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT ADOPT A WRITTEN POLI CY THAT IS CONSISTEN T WITH THE 5
	968	+	STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES 6
	969	+
	970	+	(I) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL WIT HHOLD ALL STATE FUNDS 7
	971	+	FROM A COUNTY LIBRAR Y SYSTEM THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD CERTIFIES 8
	972	+	HAS FAILED TO MEET T HE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES. 9
	973	+
	974	+	(II) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL CON TINUE TO WITHHOLD 10
	975	+	FUNDS UNDER SUBPARAG RAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH UN TIL THE STATE LIBRARY 11
	976	+	BOARD CERTIFIES THAT THE C OUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM HAS ADOPTED A WRITTE N 12
	977	+	POLICY CONSISTENT WI TH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR L IBRARIES. 13
	978	+
	979	+	23–506. 14
	980	+
	981	+	(a) The State Librarian shall authorize the payment of funds under this subtitle: 15
	982	+
	983	+	(1) To the board of library trustees of each county that has a board of 16
	984	+	trustees; or 17
	985	+
	986	+	(2) In each county that does not have a board of library trustees, to the 18
	987	+	county. 19
	988	+
	989	+	(b) (1) Current operating funds shall be administered by the county board of 20
	990	+	library trustees. 21
	991	+
	992	+	(2) Capital expense funds shall be administered by the county council, 22
	993	+	board of county commissioners, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City. 23
	994	+
	995	+	(c) (1) The funds provided under this subtitle may be used only for library 24
	996	+	purposes. 25
	997	+
	998	+	(2) The State Librarian shall require that these funds be used subject to 26
	999	+	[any]: 27
	1000	+
	1001	+	(I) THE ADOPTION OF A WRI TTEN POLICY FOR OPERATION OF 28
	1002	+	THE COUNTY LIBRARY S YSTEM CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STANDARDS FOR 29
	1003	+	LIBRARIES BY EACH BO ARD OF LIBRARY TRUST EES OR, IF THE COUNTY DOES N OT 30
	1004	+	HAVE A BOARD OF LIBR ARY TRUSTEES, THE COUNTY GOVERNMEN T; AND 31
	1005	+	22 SENATE BILL 738
	1006	+
	1007	+
	1008	+	(II) ANY OTHER conditions specified by the appropriating agency or 1
	1009	+	imposed under this subtitle. 2
	1010	+
	1011	+	23–507. 3
	1012	+
	1013	+	(A) The State Librarian shall authorize the State Comptroller to withhold State 4
	1014	+	funds from any county that fails: 5
	1015	+
	1016	+	(1) To appropriate the amount of its share of the minimum program; or 6
	1017	+
	1018	+	(2) To meet the requirements of the law or of the State Library Board for 7
	1019	+	operating the county library, INCLUDING THE REQUIR EMENT THAT THE COUNT Y 8
	1020	+	LIBRARY BE OPERATED IN A MANNER THAT IS CONSI STENT WITH THE STATE 9
	1021	+	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES. 10
	1022	+
	1023	+	(B) (1) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL WIT HHOLD ALL STATE FUNDS FROM A 11
	1024	+	COUNTY THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD CERTIFIES HAS F AILED TO OPERATE 12
	1025	+	THE COUNTY LIBRARY S YSTEM CONSISTENT WIT H THE STATE STANDARDS FOR 13
	1026	+	LIBRARIES. 14
	1027	+
	1028	+	(2) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL CON TINUE TO WITHHOLD FU NDS 15
	1029	+	UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION U NTIL THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD 16
	1030	+	CERTIFIES THAT THE C OUNTY HAS ADOPTED A WRITTEN POLICY FOR T HE 17
	1031	+	OPERATION OF THE COU NTY LIBRARY SYSTEM C ONSISTENT WITH THE STATE 18
	1032	+	STANDARDS FOR LIBRAR IES. 19
	1033	+
	1034	+	SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July 20
	1035	+	1, 2024 is an emergency measure, is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public 21
	1036	+	health or safety, has been passed by a yea and nay vote supported by three–fifths of all the 22
	1037	+	members elected to each of the two Houses of the General Assembly, and shall take effect 23
	1038	+	from the date it is enacted. 24
	1039	+
	1040	+
	1041	+
	1042	+
	1043	+	Approved:
	1044	+	________________________________________________________________________________
	1045	+	Governor.
	1046	+	________________________________________________________________________________
	1047	+	President of the Senate.
	1048	+	________________________________________________________________________________
	1049	+	Speaker of the House of Delegates.