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SF2827 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Library construction grant program renaming provision and library construction project grants bond issuance and appropriation

Related bill: HF2484

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify and rename the existing library construction grant program, allocate money for library construction grants, and authorize the sale and issuance of state bonds for these purposes.

Main Provisions

  • Renaming the Program: The library construction grant program is renamed the "Mary C. Murphy Library Construction Grants Program."

  • Grant Applications: Public library jurisdictions, including regional systems, districts, cities, and counties, can apply for funding to improve library facilities. These grants are overseen by the Commissioner of Education, with input from the State Council on Disability.

  • Use of Grants: Funds can be used to remove architectural barriers, renovate or expand existing libraries, or construct new library buildings.

  • Application and Matching Requirements: The Commissioner of Education will prepare the application forms and establish deadlines. Applicants must match grants with local funds.

  • Grant Limitations: Qualifications for grants:

    • Accessibility grants are limited to $450,000 or 50% of approved costs for removing architectural barriers.
    • Improvement grants can reach up to $1,000,000 or 50% of the renovation costs.

  • Internet Policy Requirement: To be eligible for grants, libraries must have a policy prohibiting the use of the library's internet access for viewing or distributing obscene material.

  • Prioritization and Awarding of Grants: Priority is given based on collaboration efforts, tax burden, project feasibility, suitability, and need. If applications exceed available funds, grants are awarded based on these priorities.

  • Oversight of Funds: Grantees must provide budgets and additional requested information to the Commissioner.

  • Sale of Improved Libraries: If a public library improved with state bond funds is determined to be no longer usable, it may be sold with approval, with sale proceeds first reimbursing the state.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The program is now formally named after Mary C. Murphy and includes stipulations on internet usage policies for grant eligibility.

  • A clearer framework is established for the sale of library properties improved using state bond proceeds, ensuring that any sale adheres to a fair market process and state reimbursement guidelines.

Relevant Terms

Mary C. Murphy Library Construction Grants Program, state bonds, Commissioner of Education, State Council on Disability, architectural barriers, accessibility grants, improvement grants, obscene material policy, library construction, sale of improved libraries.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toCapital Investment

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces a new name for the construction grants program and specifies matching funds for grants."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "This bill pertains to the library construction grant program under chapter 134.",
      "modified": [
        "Modifies requirements for grant eligibility and application procedures."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "134"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specifies internet usage policy requirements as part of grant eligibility."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "This bill makes reference to section 617.241 in relation to prohibiting certain internet uses.",
      "modified": [
        "No changes to 617.241 itself, but conditions related to it are introduced."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "617.241"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies application of net sale proceeds for libraries improved with state bonds."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "The bill references section 16A.695 regarding the sale of properties funded by state bond proceeds.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies conditions under which section 16A.695 would no longer apply."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "16A.695"
  }
]

Sponsors