WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 10386

Authorizes the New York state archives partnership trust fund to be used for the benefit of the New York state museum and the New York state library

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Fahy

Expands the New York state archives partnership trust fund to support the state museum and library in preservation, programming, and public access.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 10386

Overview

  • Bill: S 10386
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: New York
  • Title: Authorizes the New York state archives partnership trust fund to be used for the benefit of the New York state museum and the New York state library
  • Sponsor: Sen. Fahy (co-sponsor Pat Fahy)
  • Status: Introduced May 15, 2026; referred to the Senate Education Committee

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to expand the allowable uses of the New York state archives partnership trust fund. Specifically, it authorizes the trust to be used for the benefit of the New York state museum and the New York state library in addition to its existing purposes related to the New York state archives. The aim is to support activities that preserve, interpret, and publicize historical, cultural, educational, scientific, or governmental materials held by or intended for the museum and library.

Key Provisions

  • Section 9 adds new authority:
    • The trust board’s purposes, powers, and expenditures may be exercised for the benefit of the New York state museum and the New York state library, alongside the archives.
    • The following activities may be undertaken related to the museum and library:
    • Acquisition, preservation, conservation, management, and accessibility of collections, records, objects, artifacts, specimens, and other materials of enduring value.
    • Support for research, exhibitions, interpretive initiatives, educational programming, publications, and public programs related to the collections and missions of the museum and library.
    • Acceptance, administration, investment, and expenditure of gifts, grants, donations, bequests, and other assistance (including those designated for specific purposes or projects).
  • Section 9(3) authorizes collaboration:
    • The director of the New York state museum and the New York state librarian may work with the director of the archives partnership trust, with trust board approval, under a written agreement, to carry out activities necessary to fulfill the fund’s purposes as they relate to the museum and library.
    • Activities may include fundraising and program development.
  • Section 9(4) safeguards:
    • The changes do not alter or diminish the statutory authority, governance, or operational control of the New York state museum or the New York state library.
    • Oversight by the Board of Regents or the Commissioner of Education remains intact, including personnel and employment decisions.

Who or What Is Affected

  • New York state archives partnership trust fund: Expanded scope to benefit the New York state museum and the New York state library.
  • New York state museum and New York state library: Eligible to receive funding and support from the trust fund for preservation, programming, research, exhibitions, and related activities.
  • Directors and staff of the museum, library, and archives partnership trust: Authorized to collaborate under a written agreement and within approved expenditures.
  • Governance bodies (Board of Regents, Commissioner of Education): Maintains existing authority and supervision; no transfer of control.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Effective date: Immediate upon enactment.
  • Process: Requires written agreement among the New York state archives partnership trust, the New York state museum, and the New York state library, with approval by the trust board.
  • Legislative path: Referred to the Senate Education Committee; as of the provided text, no further action details are given.

Potential Impacts

  • Increased funding flexibility: The trust can support a broader set of activities for the museum and library, including acquisitions, conservation, exhibitions, educational programming, and fundraising.
  • Enhanced collaboration: Formalized cooperative framework among the archives partnership trust, museum, and library to coordinate use of funds and program development.
  • Preservation and public programming: Potential for expanded access to historical collections and enhanced public programming and research opportunities.
  • Safeguards: Clear protections ensure that the museum and library retain governance and personnel authority, avoiding undermining existing statutory structures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.