Rhode Island Senate Bill S0445

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Report Pass: 6/6/23
• Engrossed: 6/8/23
• Refer: 6/9/23
• Enrolled: 6/13/23
• Passed: 6/20/23

Caption

Historical Society Libraries

Impact

The bill’s impact on state laws is notable as it requires annual reports to be submitted by the historical societies to the state librarian. These reports will detail fund expenditures and outline preservation initiatives for the collections. By mandating transparency regarding how funds are used, the bill seeks to enhance accountability and utilization of state resources dedicated to cultural preservation.

Summary

Bill S0445 is an act relating to libraries and specifically focuses on the Rhode Island Historical Society and the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. It aims to amend existing laws by ensuring that all books, periodicals, and papers kept by these societies are accessible to all citizens of the state. The intent is to broaden the availability of historical documents and resources to the public, promoting educational and cultural engagement within the community.

Contention

A significant aspect of the bill is the appropriations for the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. It mandates that the General Assembly allocate necessary funds for the care and cataloguing of the Society's property and for acquiring books that pertain to the state's history. While this represents an advancement for heritage preservation, there may be discussions around the adequacy of funding and whether the appropriations will sufficiently cover the society's needs for maintaining historical records and resources.