New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05525

Introduced
2/14/25  
Refer
2/14/25  
Report Pass
5/20/25  

Caption

Relates to conducting a study on the access of state public libraries and library systems to capital funding; provides the department of education, in consultation with the dormitory authority, the office of the state comptroller, and the public library systems of the state, shall assess and report on the capital needs of such public library systems, including public libraries and association libraries.

Impact

The bill seeks to uncover the projected capital needs of public library systems over a five-year period and assess the existing options available for financing capital projects. A significant focus is on identifying why certain libraries or systems may have been denied funding from state authorities in the past decade and what percentage of applicants were successful. This information is crucial for ensuring libraries can satisfy their funding requirements for upgrades and essential projects.

Summary

A05525 is a New York Assembly bill aimed at amending the education law to conduct a comprehensive study on the access of state public libraries and library systems to capital funding. The bill mandates the Department of Education to collaborate with various state authorities to evaluate the current state of public library financing and identify needs, barriers, and potential solutions for improving access to capital funds. This will cater to both public libraries and association libraries across the state.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding the study's outcomes and proposals, particularly how they might influence future legislative decisions regarding library funding. Certain stakeholders may raise concerns about the attention given to libraries based on their geographic location or size, possibly leading to inequities in funding. Additionally, the process of gathering data and arranging recommendations could provoke discussions on prioritizing library funding in the state's budget.

Companion Bills

NY S06870

Same As Relates to conducting a study on the access of state public libraries and library systems to capital funding; provides the department of education, in consultation with the dormitory authority, the office of the state comptroller, and the public library systems of the state, shall assess and report on the capital needs of such public library systems, including public libraries and association libraries.

Previously Filed As

NY A07965

Relates to conducting a study on the access of state public libraries and library systems to capital funding; provides the department of education, in consultation with the dormitory authority, the office of the state comptroller, and the public library systems of the state, shall assess and report on the capital needs of such public library systems, including public libraries and association libraries.

NY S01418

Relates to conducting a study on the access of state public libraries and library systems to capital funding; the department of education, in consultation with the dormitory authority, the office of the state comptroller, and the public library systems of the state, shall assess and report on the capital needs of such public library systems, including public libraries and association libraries.

NY A05232

Relates to librarians of school libraries.

NY A08870

Prohibits libraries and library systems, including school libraries and school library systems from banning books or other materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

NY S09324

Prohibits libraries and library systems, including school libraries and school library systems from banning books or other materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

NY S04069

Includes the Olean Public Library with libraries eligible for the financing of projects through the dormitory authority.

NY A05035

Includes the Olean Public Library with libraries eligible for the financing of projects through the dormitory authority.

NY A08042

Includes the Parma Public Library with libraries eligible for the financing of projects through the dormitory authority.

NY S07670

Includes the Parma Public Library with libraries eligible for the financing of projects through the dormitory authority.

NY S04168

Includes the Shelter Island Public Library Society with libraries eligible for the financing of projects through the dormitory authority.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.