Legislative Items

Open Meetings Law and Videoconferencing (In Committee)

S7261 (Hoylman). Status: In committee.

Relates to videoconferencing at public meetings and requiring that the minutes of a public meeting at which videoconferencing is used reflect such fact and the extent of such participation.

Source: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/s7261

Open Meetings Law and Document Availability (Signed by Governor)

S1150A (Kaplan). Status: Signed by Governor

Relates to making certain documents available for open meetings

Source: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S1150/amendment/A

Streamline & Modernize Library Program Requirements (Signed by Governor)

S6511 (Ryan) / A7021 (Jean-Pierre). Status: Passed Senate & Assembly. Awaiting delivery to Governor.

These technical amendments replace outdated provisions with new language to consolidate and modernize programs and, streamline planning and reporting requirements to improve efficiency.

Source: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/s6511

Training for Library Trustees (Signed by Governor)

S4435B (May) / A6121B (Jean-Pierre) Status: Passed Senate & Assembly. Awaiting delivery to Governor.

If enacted, this bill would ensure that those choosing to serve their libraries as a trustee have comprehensive training, reflective of their communities, each year.

Source: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S4435/amendment/B

Increased Access to the Library Construction Program (Passed Senate and Assembly)

S5753A (Ryan) / A7060A (Jean-Pierre) Status: Passed Senate & Assembly. Awaiting delivery to Governor.

If signed by the Governor, this bill would allow library systems, who are responsible for distributing the Program funds to their libraries, greater flexibility.

Source: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S5753/amendment/A

Access to E-Books (Passed Senate and Assembly)

S2890B (May) / A5837B (Jean-Pierre) Status: Delivered to the Governor.

This bill would require that publishers who offer electronic books to the private market, also extend licenses to libraries within the State, without discrimination.

Source: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S2890/amendment/B