This bill amends Section 29-6-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 29-6 entitled "State Aid to Libraries." The bill adds new language stating that public library services are the duty of the general assembly and provides findings on the importance of free public libraries. The bill also specifies that the state's share to support local public library services shall be equal to at least 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 6% of the three-year average market value of the investments in the endowment. The bill also includes a provision that in fiscal year 2024, the state shall pay each city and town a fixed 25% of the amount appropriated and expended by the city or town in the second preceding fiscal year from local tax revenues and from the public library's private endowment that supplement the municipal appropriation for public library services. The state may also supplement funds from the American Rescue Plan Act State Fiscal Recovery Funds. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
541: 29-6-2