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Bill

A 1538

Requires a school library media specialist in each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high and senior high school

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon and 2 co-sponsors

Bill A 1538 mandates a certified school library media specialist in every school, enhancing student access to resources and supporting literacy and critical thinking skills.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 1538

Summary of Bill A 1538

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 1538
  • Title: Requires a school library media specialist in each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high, and senior high school
  • Status: Referred to Education
  • Introduced: January 10, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 1538 aims to enhance the educational resources available to students by mandating the presence of a qualified school library media specialist in every elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high, and senior high school. The intent is to improve student access to information, foster literacy, and support the development of critical thinking skills through effective library services.

Key Provisions

  • Mandatory Staffing: The bill requires each school within the specified categories to employ at least one certified school library media specialist.
  • Qualifications: The media specialists must meet specific educational and certification requirements as determined by the state education department.
  • Role and Responsibilities: The media specialists will be responsible for:
    • Curating and managing library resources.
    • Providing instruction on information literacy.
    • Supporting teachers in integrating library resources into the curriculum.
    • Promoting reading and research skills among students.

Impact

  • Students: The bill is expected to directly benefit students by providing them with better access to library resources and expert guidance in navigating information.
  • Schools: Schools will need to allocate funding for hiring qualified media specialists, which may impact budget planning and resource allocation.
  • Educators: Teachers will receive additional support in utilizing library resources effectively, potentially enhancing the overall quality of education.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on January 10, 2025, and has been referred to the Education Committee for further consideration.
  • The timeline for further legislative action is currently unclear, as it depends on the committee's schedule and subsequent legislative processes.

Related Bills

  • A 6225 (prior-session): A previous bill that may have addressed similar issues regarding library resources in schools.
  • A 40 (prior-session): Another related bill from a prior session that could provide context or background on the legislative intent surrounding school library services.

This summary provides an overview of Bill A 1538, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, potential impacts, and procedural status. The bill reflects a commitment to improving educational resources and support for students across all school levels.

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

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