BILL NUMBER:S1637

TITLE OF BILL:  CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY
proposing an amendment to section 1 of article 11 of the constitution,
in relation to requiring the legislature to provide for a system of
free public libraries

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To provide a Constitutional guarantee of free public library service
for all residents of New York State.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Amends § 1 of Article XI of the State Constitution to add a guarantee
of free public library services to the existing guarantee of free
public schools.

JUSTIFICATION:

New York's Constitutional guarantee of free public schools for all the
children of the state has ensured the development and maintenance of
excellent public school systems, establishing the state's reputation
for well-educated citizens who make up a productive workforce. With
rapid changes in technology and the explosive growth of many fields of
learning, the need for life-long learning has taken on new importance.
              

It is no longer enough to provide education only to our children.
Public libraries -- called by some, "the people's universities" --
provide the most broadly available basis for life-long learning and
adult education opportunities. The amendment would recognize the need
to guarantee educational opportunities to all citizens, not just
children, by guaranteeing access to free public libraries. A similar
Constitutional guarantee was added to the Rhode Island State
Constitution in 1986 following approval at a Constitutional Convention
and voter approval by a margin of 68%.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

1998: A.4655; opinion referred to Judiciary
1999: A.1641; opinion referred to Judiciary
2004: A.4838/S.738; opinion referred to Judiciary; same as S.738
(FARLEY)
2005-2006: A.1554; opinion referred to Judiciary; same as S.2144
(FARLEY)
2007-2008: A2834/S3777; opinion referred to Judiciary
2009-2010: A3895/S5607; reported & referred to Ways and Means
2011-2012: A2468/S1575; referred to Libraries and Education technology

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the State or local governments. Public libraries and systems
are currently funded by State and local appropriations, and provide
services to all State residents under statute and regulation. This
amendment would provide a Constitutional guarantee for continuation of
free public library services.

EFFECTIVE DATE:


This is Constitutional first passage.