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A 3738

Enables public libraries to access employment preparation education (EPE) funds to provide adult literacy education

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Otis and 1 co-sponsor

Allows public libraries to tap Employment Preparation Education funds to offer adult literacy education, boosting access and job readiness for adult learners.

REFERRED TO LIBRARIES AND EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
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Bill Summary · A 3738

Summary of Assembly Bill A 3738

Title: Enables public libraries to access Employment Preparation Education (EPE) funds to provide adult literacy education

Bill Number: A 3738

Status: REFERRED TO LIBRARIES AND EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
- Introduced: January 30, 2025
- Legislative Action: 2025-01-30 — Referred to Libraries and Education Technology

Companion/Related Legislation:
- Related Senate companion: S 5988
- Related/prior-session bills: A 7795, A 5811, A 1667, A 55, A 7955

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill would authorize or enable public libraries to access Employment Preparation Education (EPE) funds specifically to provide adult literacy education.
  • By allowing libraries to participate in EPE funding, the measure aims to expand access to adult literacy services and support workforce readiness for adults who are pursuing literacy development or job preparation.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill’s stated purpose)

  • Eligibility and Access to Funds: Public libraries would be authorized to access EPE funds for purposes tied to adult literacy education. (Detailed eligibility criteria and funding mechanisms would be set forth in the bill text.)
  • Use of Funds: EPE funds accessed by libraries would be used to provide adult literacy education services. (The bill would specify permissible activities, program guidance, and oversight in its full text.)
  • Programs and Services: Focus likely includes adult basic literacy, reading and writing skills, numeracy, and potentially employment preparation components linked to workforce outcomes.
  • Administrative Oversight: Provisions would govern administration, accountability, and reporting requirements associated with using EPE funds in library settings. ( exact requirements would be found in the statutory text.)

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Public libraries and library systems.
  • Beneficiaries: Adult learners seeking literacy development and job-readiness skills.
  • Supporting entities: State education and workforce agencies responsible for EPE administration may coordinate with libraries.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Current status: Committee referral to the Libraries and Education Technology committee.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Assembly. A companion Senate bill (S 5988) exists, indicating cross-chamber consideration.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Access and Equity: Could broaden access to adult literacy services by leveraging library networks and community access points.
  • Workforce Readiness: Aligns literacy education with employment preparation, potentially improving job outcomes for adult learners.
  • Budgetary Implications: Introducing or expanding funding to libraries may affect state or program budgets; specifics depend on the bill’s funding provisions.
  • Program Administration: Requires clear guidelines on administration, reporting, and accountability to ensure effective use of EPE funds.

Notes for Readers

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and the information available (status, scope, and related measures). Full details on eligibility criteria, funding formulas, allowable activities, and reporting requirements would be specified in the bill’s text and any amendments if the bill advances.

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

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