2022 Legislative Session
Updated: July 8, 2022
2021 in the Rearview
In January 2021, we welcomed a new cohort of representatives at the New York State Capitol. From seasoned veterans to eager freshman, it was clear that their views and priorities were diverse.
This Summer, our state also welcomed a new Governor, Kathy Hochul. The 57th Governor to New York State will have a new administration and bring different energy to the marbled walls of the Capitol.
2021 Legislative Initiatives Page
The Year Ahead
In 2022, NYLA members will continue to have opportunities to speak up & act on issues that directly impact their community with State and Federal officials.
The Director of Governmental Relations & Advocacy will be working hand-in-hand with the Legislative Committee to determine issues and bills that members can impact through their advocacy.
It’s time for libraries to be given the spotlight, and for the State to recognize who they are – community.
2021-2022 Advocacy Expansion FAQ
Historic Documents
New Laws Affecting Libraries
Chapter 1
This law extends the current authorization for public bodies, including library boards, to meet remotely or by conference call for the remainder of the declared state of emergency.
Chapter 371
This Chapter changes several components of the State's penal, business & executive laws. One such change is a list of designated "sensitive locations" (inc. libraries) where concealed weapons are prohbited.
The State Budget
2022-2023 Senate Grants-in-Aid for Libraries
2022-2023 Assembly GIA for Libraries
Assembly Capital Assistance Grants (3 Total)
2022-2023 GIA with School & District Information
Final Budget
The final budget passed the Legislature over 7 days late on Saturday, April 9, 2022. It included:
- Library Aid $99.6M
- Library Construction $34M
- Digital Inclusion $10M
- Release of $150K Love Your Library Fund
- Schomburg Research Center $375K
- Langston Hughes Community Library $112K
- Establishment of the Working to Implement Reliable and Equitable Deployment of Broadband Act (WIRED)
- Modifications to Open Meetings Law
- Memo from Committee on Open Goverment
Assembly One House
The Assembly released their budget proposal on March 12, 2022. It includes:
- Library Aid $106.1M
- +10M increase from Executive
- Library Construction $34M
- Restoration to '21
- DEI Funding $1.2M
- Release of $150K Love Your Library Fund
- Digital Inclusion Grant Funds
Assembly Sign-on Letter for Library Budget
Senate One House
The Senate released their budget proposal on March 13, 2022. It includes:
- Library Aid $123.1M
- +27M increase from Executive
- Library Construction $45M
- +31M increase from Executive
- DEI Funding $1.2M
- Release of $150K Love Your Library Fund
- Digital Inclusion Grant Funds
Senate Sign-on Letter for Library Budget
Executive
The Executive Budget was released on January 18, 2022. It includes:
Executive Budget Briefing Book
- Library Aid $96.1M
- +2M increase from '21
- Library Construction $14M
- -20M reduction from '21
- Release of $150K Love Your Library Fund
Funding Initiatives
NYS Library Operating Aid: $123.1M
Increased aid is needed to support the foundational framework of New York State libraries, improving the lives of residents of all ages, abilities and economic status.
Adequate funding is needed to support school, public, and academic libraries and library systems.
Increase Per Pupil Rate for Library Materials Aid
The per pupil rate of $6.25 has remained stagnant since 2007. We are seeking an increase to the rate to reflect general inflation and the rising costs of materials in school libraries.
NYS Library Construction Aid: $45M
Increased investment is needed to maintain and develop the physical infrastructure of New York State’s libraries, in order to ensure a safe, accessible and sustainable environment for the future.
The New York State Library estimates the deferred maintenance need at over $1.5B.
Over half of New York’s libraries are over 60 years old.
Investments allow libraries to invest in energy-efficiency and support the local construction industry
History of Construction Aid Chart
The Legislature
(NEW) Out of the Race List (6/14/22)
Assembly Libraries & Education Technology Committee
New York State Senate Directory
New York State Assembly Directory
New York State Assembly Website
Policy Initiatives
2022 Policy Initiaves One-Pager
Spring on the Hill Advocacy Debrief & Look Ahead
Construction Project Extension
This bill would provide libraries that have been impacted by COVID-19 and supply chain issues an additional two years (total of 6) to complete their construction projects while maintaining their eligibility for state aid.
S8429 (Ryan)/A9487(Jean Pierre)
Signed by Governor 6/30
Chapter 333
Book Fair Tax Exemption
This bill would make books, magazines, pamphlets and other items sold at school sponsored book fairs exempt from sales tax.
Referred to Assembly Ways & Means
Association Library Retirement Opt-In Option
This bill would allow association libraries that meet certain criteria the ability to join the New York State Retirement System upon approval of their board.
S5179A (Palumbo)/A5824A(Thiele)
Referred to Senate Civil Service & Pensions Committee
Held for Consideration in Assembly Government Employees Committee 5/10
Media Literacy in New York State
These proposals address access, delivery and development.
S8213 (Ryan) / 6153A (Rosenthal) ML Professional Development
Referred to Senate & Assembly Education Committees
S8212 (Ryan)/A6225A (Rosenthal) LMS Requirement
Referred to Senate Libraries Committee & Assembly Education Committee
S8214A (Ryan)/A6142B (Rosenthal) Media Literacy Advisory Group
Passed Senate Libraries Committee 3/9
Referred to Assembly Education Committee
S8215 (Ryan)/A8222 (Rosenthal) Media Literacy Standards
Referred to Senate & Assembly Education Committees
Supporting Documentation for Media Literacy
Formation of Media Literacy Coalition (Press Release)
The Importance of Media Literacy & Certified School Librarians Discussion (Youtube)
Student Advocates for Media Literacy (Youtube)Media Literacy Profiles (Rack Card)
School Library Facility Modernization
The current regulation that defines a school library facility has not been updated in over twenty years.
This proposal would address the antiquated metrics within NY-CRR 91.1 and insert characteristics associated with a successful, 21st century school library.
S6053 (Kaplan) / A6339 (Jensen)
Referred to Senate Libraries Committee & Assembly Education Committee
In the Works
OPEB Reserve Funds
NYLA is seeking eligibility for library systems and certain libraries within the State to create and contribute to a reserve fund for other post-employment benefits.
Proposal pending.
Permanent Reduction in Petition Signature Requirements
NYLA is seeking a decrease in the number of signatures needed for 414 library elections.
Proposal pending.
Modernization of Civil Service
Working with the Civil Service Committee, legislative partners and allies at external organizations, we are seeking amendments to processes and protocols within Civil Service for the field of librarianship.
Discussions on-going.
Miscellaneous
John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York
If enacted, this bill would establish rights of action for denying or abridging the right of any member of a protected class to vote, provide assistance to language-minority groups, require certain political subdivisions to receive preclearance for potential violations and, create civil liability for voter intimidation.
The bill would not only apply to counties, cities, towns, and villages but, entities such as libraries and school districts as well.
S1046E(Myrie) / A6678E(Walker)
NYLA will continue to work with the State & external allies to determine how to best implement the new law and operate within current election processes.
Double Taxation Survey
Requires two state agencies with the assistance of the library community to conduct a survey on the prevalence and fiscal impact of double taxation due to overlapping library districts.
S7857A (Skoufis) / A9448A (Stirpe)
Passed Senate Rules. Active List 6/1
Passed Assembly 5/24
Gold Coast Library Elections
Amends the Chapter for Gold Coast Library by extending when petitions are due from 13 days to 30 days.
Signed by Governor 6/30
Chapter 324
Right to Repair Act
S4104A (Breslin)/A7006A (Fahy)
Passed Senate 6/1
Passed Assembly 6/3
There are nearly a dozen other initiatives currently in the research or draft phase. Check back throughout the year to learn more.