The proposed bill seeks to dissolve the Arkansas State Library and the State Library Board, transferring their responsibilities and functions to the Department of Education and the Arkansas State Archives. It stipulates that all authority, records, contracts, personnel, and unexpended appropriations from the Arkansas State Library and the State Library Board will be transferred to the Department of Education. The bill also ensures that any existing rules or standards established by these entities will remain in effect until amended or repealed by the Department. Additionally, it includes amendments to the Arkansas Code, removing references to the Arkansas State Library and repealing sections that established the library and board, thereby streamlining library management under the Department of Education.

Moreover, the bill introduces new provisions aimed at enhancing public library services, including the establishment of county and regional library systems, a certification plan for public librarians, and criteria for age-appropriate materials in libraries. It mandates the Department of Education to prepare a state plan for library services and outlines specific requirements for public libraries to qualify for state aid, including governance and financial stability criteria. The bill also establishes reporting requirements for libraries seeking state aid and includes a funding formula for equitable distribution of resources. An emergency clause is included, making the changes effective on July 1, 2025, to facilitate a smooth transition and continued service provision.

Statutes affected:
SB 536: 6-47-302(d), 13-2-103(c), 13-2-201, 13-2-203, 13-2-209, 25-43-105, 13-2-204, 13-2-205, 13-2-206, 13-2-207, 13-2-208, 13-2-210, 13-2-211, 13-2-212, 13-2-214, 13-2-213, 25-18-301, 25-18-304, 25-18-306, 25-18-308, 13-2-509, 13-2-601, 13-2-605, 13-2-903(d), 13-2-1002(a), 13-3-104(a), 13-13-102(c), 19-4-906, 19-5-305(a), 21-7-402(b), 25-11-203, 25-15-204(e), 25-16-903(21), 25-18-306(b), 25-18-307, 25-43-502(a)