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Bill

S 5494

Relates to state financial aid for library social work services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Siela Bynoe

Authorizes state aid to public libraries to fund social work services, enabling libraries to hire staff, train programs, and connect patrons with social services.

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE
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Bill Summary · S 5494

Summary: S 5494 – Relates to state financial aid for library social work services

Overview

S 5494 is a New York State bill titled “Relates to state financial aid for library social work services.” Its primary aim appears to be to provide state financial support to libraries for the provision of social work services. The bill was introduced on February 21, 2025, and has progressed from referral to the Committee on Libraries to being reported and committed to the Finance Committee. The sponsor is Senator Siela Bynoe. A companion bill in the Assembly is A 7948.

Purpose and intent

  • To authorize and direct state financial assistance to support library-based social work services.
  • The goal is to enhance access to social, behavioral, and supportive services through public libraries, leveraging library facilities and staff to connect patrons with needed resources.

Key provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title and status)

Note: The specific text of the bill’s provisions is not provided in the materials available. The following outlines reflect typical elements for a bill of this type and what would be expected to accompany a state aid program for library social work services. The actual bill text may differ.

  • Authorization of state financial aid: Establish a funding mechanism to support library social work services.
  • Eligible recipients: Public libraries or library systems that may qualify to receive state aid.
  • Use of funds: Allowable expenditures could include hiring or funding library social workers, staff training, program development, and partnership activities with social service agencies.
  • Administration and oversight: Provisions for administering the program, including potential oversight by a state department (likely a library/education or mental health agency) and reporting requirements.
  • Reporting and accountability: Regular reporting on expenditures, outcomes, and metrics to demonstrate use and impact of funds.

Who would be affected

  • Public libraries and library systems implementing or expanding social work services.
  • Library staff and potential social work professionals affiliated with libraries.
  • Patrons and communities served by libraries, particularly those seeking social, mental health, or referral services.
  • State budget and related agencies responsible for administering education, libraries, and social services programs.

Timeline and procedural status

  • Introduced: February 21, 2025.
  • Legislative actions: Referred to Libraries on February 21, 2025; later reported and committed to Finance on April 8, 2025 (listed twice in the actions; likely a routine committee workflow).
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed through the Finance Committee and, depending on the legislative process, move toward floor consideration and potential passage, followed by reconciliation with the companion Assembly bill (A 7948) as applicable.

Related legislation

  • Companion: A 7948 (Assembly).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Positive impact on access to social services by leveraging library networks.
  • Increased demand for library funding, staff training, and interagency collaboration.
  • Budgetary implications for the state; consideration of ongoing vs. one-time funding, funding levels, and how funds are allocated across libraries.

For readers seeking specifics on funding amounts, eligible uses, and reporting metrics, the exact text of S 5494 would provide definitive details once released by the sponsor and relevant committees.

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

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