Library Legislation in New York State: 2021 Chapters

2021 Laws Relating to State Funding for Libraries

Chapter 53 A3003-C/S2503-Cexternal link opens in a new window Aid to Localities Bill: includes an appropriation of $94.127 million for Library Aid in local assistance funds. In addition, an appropriation of $15 million in federal funds is provided for digital inclusion programs. Signed by Governor, 4/19/2021.
Chapter 56 A3006-C/S2506-Cexternal link opens in a new window Education, Labor and Family Assistance Bill: includes article VII language for the State support of libraries in that no library, library system or program shall receive less total system or program aid than it received in the year 2001-2002, except as a result of necessary reduction adjustments. Signed by Governor, 4/16/2021.
Chapter 50 A3000-D-C/S2500-Dexternal link opens in a new window State Operations Budget Bill: includes an appropriation of $693,000 in state operations funds for the New York State Library for Conservation/Preservation and the Talking Book and Braille Library and $350,000 in state operations funds for the State University of New York for the Conservation/Preservation Statutory Aid Program. Signed by Governor, 4/19/2021.
Chapter 54 A3004-D/S2504-Dexternal link opens in a new window Capital Projects Budget Bill: includes an appropriation of $34 million in capital funds for the State Aid for Library Construction Program (Education Law 273-a). Signed by Governor, 4/19/2021.
Chapter 322 A2395/S3332external link opens in a new window Amends various laws, including Education Law 273 and 285, to replace all instances of the words or variations of the words "inmate" or "inmates" with the phrases "incarcerated individual" or "incarcerated individuals." Signed by Governor, 8/2/2021.
Chapter 563 A7021/S6511external link opens in a new window Streamline and Modernize Library Aid Programs: no-cost technical amendments to Education Law 273 simplifying complex funding formulas for certain programs. Also amends Education Law 273-a (State Aid for Library Construction) to extend the time allowed for project completion to four (4) years. Signed by Governor, 11/3/2021.
Chapter 627 A7060-A/S5753-Aexternal link opens in a new window Provides that no more than fifty percent of the total funds appropriated to a library system may be used to support the total costs for projects receiving state aid in excess of seventy-five percent of the total approved costs. Signed by Governor, 11/15/2021.

2021 Laws Relating to Libraries and Library Systems

Chapter 70 A5456/S4430external link opens in a new window Amends Education Law to reduce the threshold number of signatures candidates must collect for nominating petitions for library boards of trustees and school boards in the 2021 election cycle. Also reduces the number of petition signatures needed for municipal ballot propositions for public and association libraries. Takes effect immediately and expires on December 31, 2021. Signed by Governor, 3/7/2021.
Chapter 417 A40001/S50001external link opens in a new window Authorizes political subdivisions to permit any public body to hold meetings remotely and without in-person access during the COVID-19 state disaster emergency, provided that the public has the ability to view or listen, and that such meetings are recorded and later transcribed (Part E). Takes effect immediately and expires January 15, 2022. Signed by Governor, 9/2/2021.
Chapter 468 A6121-B/S4435-Bexternal link opens in a new window Library Trustee Education: amends Education Law to add a new section 260-d requiring all trustees of public, association and Indian libraries to attend two hours of trustee education annually. Signed by Governor, 10/8/2021.
Chapter 481 A1228-A/S1150-Aexternal link opens in a new window Amends the public officers law to require documents to be discussed at open meetings be made available upon request or posted on the public body's website at least 24 hours prior to such open meeting. Signed by Governor, 10/19/2021.
Chapter 498 A1960-A/S4670-Aexternal link opens in a new window NYS Personal Income Tax Check-off for Library Aid Programs: amends Tax Law to add a new section 630-I providing a new check-off on income tax forms for gifts supporting all of the library programs funded under the provisions of Education Law 273. Signed by Governor, 10/25/2021.
Chapter 503 A6489-A/S6653-Aexternal link opens in a new window School District Charge-backs to Libraries: Amends Real Property Tax Law 726(1)(c) to provide for a charge-back of refunds of taxes levied by a school district not only to school district public libraries, but also now to association libraries, municipal public libraries and special legislative district public libraries. Signed by Governor, 10/25/2021.
Chapter 511 A6163-A/S4818-Aexternal link opens in a new window Uniondale Public Library District: Amends Chapter 1017 of the Laws of 1963 related to public participation in the election process. Signed by Governor, 10/25/2021
Vetoed
Memo: 72		 A5837-B/S2890-Bexternal link Relates to requiring publishers to offer licenses for electronic books to libraries under reasonable terms. Vetoed by Governor, 12/29/2021.
Last Updated: January 19, 2022 -- sm; for questions or comments contact Carol Desch