The bill amends Section 29-6-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 29-6, titled "State Aid to Libraries," to establish a fixed state funding mechanism for public library services in fiscal year 2027. It includes new findings that emphasize the importance of free public libraries in promoting education, cultural enrichment, and lifelong learning, as well as the government's responsibility to provide adequate financial support for these institutions.

Specifically, the bill states that for fiscal year 2027, the state's share to support local public library services shall be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated and expended by each city or town in the second preceding fiscal year from local tax revenues and from the public library's private endowment that supplements the municipal appropriation for public library services. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2812: 29-6-2