The bill amends Section 29-6-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 29-6 entitled "State Aid to Libraries" to reinforce the importance of public libraries and to ensure their financial support. It includes new findings that emphasize the constitutional duty of the Rhode Island General Assembly to promote public libraries, the essential role of libraries in democracy, their contribution to cultural, educational, informational, and research needs, and their status as an integral part of the educational system. The bill acknowledges the innovative strategies adopted by public libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue serving their communities.

The bill also specifies financial provisions for public library services, stating that the state's share to support local public library services shall be at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated and expended by the city or town from local tax revenues and funds from the public library’s private endowment. However, the state is not obligated to match any amount from the endowment that exceeds six percent (6%) of the three-year average market value of the endowment investments. For fiscal year 2025, the state shall pay each city and town a fixed twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated and expended from local tax revenues and the public library's private endowment, with the possibility of supplementing these funds with the American Rescue Plan Act State Fiscal Recovery Funds. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7335: 29-6-2