STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS27519 / H0470
This legislation provides for the establishment of a new statewide resource to assist schools and libraries in
their efforts to improve youth literacy. The bill directs the State Department of Education to contract for the
creation of an online digital library of non-fiction books targeted at students in elementary and middle school.
Books in the digital library would be vetted for appropriate content, made available to students based on reading
level and/or grade level, and would provide educators a way of making copies of the same book available to
multiple students at the same time. The program should also provide feedback to educators to help provide
literacy instruction to students. As our schools continue their focus on literacy, many do not have the resources
to provide additional tools for teachers, paraprofessionals and librarians who are working with our students.
This bill aims to give them one such tool.
FISCAL NOTE
The implementation of the bill is subject to an appropriation from the Joint Finance and Appropriations
Committee and would be scaled as funds are made available. It is anticipated to start in a pilot phase which
would, if successful, move to statewide implementation. Based on costs in other locations, it is anticipated
that the maximum expense for a full, statewide implementation would be approximately $1.5 million.
Contact:
Representative Ron Mendive
(208) 332-1000
Kate Haas
(202) 256-2613
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/10/2020, 9:29 AM