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Bill

A 11526

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

Expands the Archives Partnership Trust to fund and support acquisitions, preservation, programming, and collaborations for the New York State Museum and Library alongside archives.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 11526

Summary of Bill A11526 (2025-2026; New York)

Purpose and Intent

  • This bill amends the New York state Archives Partnership Trust Act to authorize the trust fund to be used for the benefit of the New York State Museum and the New York State Library, in addition to the New York State Archives.
  • The core goal is to broaden the purposes, powers, and authorized expenditures of the Archives Partnership Trust to support the museum and library alongside archives activities.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Section 9 added to the act:

    1. Clarifies that, notwithstanding any contrary law, the trust board’s purposes, powers, and authorized expenditures may be exercised for the benefit of the New York State Museum and the New York State Library, in addition to the state archives.
    2. Expands the scope of powers and expenditures related to the museum and library to include, but not be limited to:
      • Acquisition, preservation, conservation, management, and accessibility of collections, records, objects, artifacts, specimens, and other materials of enduring historical, cultural, educational, scientific, or governmental value held by or intended for the museum or library.
      • Support for research, exhibitions, interpretive initiatives, educational programming, publications, and public programs related to the collections, holdings, functions, and statutory 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.
    3. Allows collaboration among the director of the New York State Museum, the New York State Librarian, and the director of the Archives Partnership Trust (with trust board approval) to carry out activities necessary to fulfill the fund’s purposes as they relate to the museum and library. This includes fundraising and program development, under a written agreement among the involved entities.
    4. Affirms that nothing in the section alters or diminishes the statutory authority, governance, or operational control of the museum or library, or the authority of the Board of Regents or the Commissioner of Education (including personnel and employment decisions).

  • Section 2 (Effective Date): The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Affected Entities and Stakeholders

  • New York State Archives Partnership Trust: Expanded mandate to include the museum and library.
  • New York State Museum: Eligible to receive trust fund support for acquisitions, preservation, programming, exhibitions, and related activities.
  • New York State Library: Eligible to receive trust fund support for acquisitions, preservation, programming, exhibitions, and related activities.
  • Director of the New York State Museum and the New York State Librarian: Jointly empowered to collaborate with the archives trust director under the new framework.
  • Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education: Retain their existing governance and oversight authority; the change does not transfer or diminish their powers.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill was introduced May 28, 2026, and referred to the Education Committee.
  • Immediate effectiveness upon enactment (no delayed effective date).

Potential Impact

  • Increased funding flexibility to support long-term preservation, access, and educational initiatives across the museum and library.
  • Potential for expanded collaborations and fundraising efforts leveraging the Archives Partnership Trust framework.
  • Clear boundaries to preserve existing governance and authorities of the museum, library, and state education leadership while enabling broader use of trust funds for cultural and educational purposes.

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

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