Education (Libraries)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5995: Prohibits libraries and library systems from banning books or other materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval

Prohibits libraries and library systems, including school libraries and school library systems from banning books or other materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects school libraries from banning materials due to partisan/doctrinal reasons, directly supporting educational access and academic freedom in K-12 settings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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passed both · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 8044: Establishes the libraries literacy education guidance act

This bill establishes the "libraries literacy education guidance act," directing the State Librarian to provide guidance on evidence-based practices for literacy education. This guidance, focusing on reading competency areas like phonemic awareness, phonics, and comprehension, will be distributed to all public and association libraries in New York state. It is primarily for students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, with modified guidance for older students and adults. The State Librarian must update this guidance every two years, considering feedback from the libraries.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes evidence-based literacy guidance for K-12 students, directly advancing curriculum standards and educational access through state library resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Libraries

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 2, 2026

A 5835: Establishes the libraries literacy education guidance act

This bill requires New York's state librarian to develop and distribute evidence-based guidance on core reading skills (like phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension) for libraries serving pre-K through 5th-grade students, with separate guidance for older students and adults. The guidance, created within one year of the law taking effect, must be based on existing education standards and shared with all public and association libraries statewide. Libraries will receive resources such as texts, educational technology, and professional materials to support literacy programs. The state librarian must update this guidance every two years, incorporating feedback from libraries.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires evidence-based literacy guidance for K-5 libraries aligned with education standards, enhancing early reading skills access and program quality.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Libraries

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1538: Requires a school library media specialist in each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high and senior high school

Requires a school library media specialist in each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high and senior high school with one such specialist being employed full-time in schools with more than five hundred students and two such specialists being employed full-time in schools with more than two thousand students.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates library media specialists to enhance student resource access and curriculum support in all school levels, directly strengthening educational resources and programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3368: Relates to the practice of banning books by publicly funded libraries

Provides that publicly funded libraries may not ban books because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval; directs school districts to adopt the ALA library bill of rights.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationPrevents book bans in school libraries based on partisan views, directly protecting educational access and curriculum diversity per ALA standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6208: Relates to enacting the free resources for equitable education (FREE) act

Relates to enacting the "free resources for equitable education (FREE) act"; requires State University of New York higher education institutions to designate all general education and 25 percent of all major specific courses as low textbook cost (LTC) or zero textbook cost (ZTC).

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates zero/low textbook cost courses to increase access and reduce student financial barriers in higher education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education Libraries

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 119: Requires teachers and library media specialists to complete professional development related to media literacy education

Requires teachers and library media specialists to complete professional development related to media literacy education; directs the department of education to develop model media literacy education and CTLE requirements related to media literacy education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates media literacy professional development for educators, directly enhancing teacher capabilities and curriculum quality in education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 7353: Protects the independence of libraries and shields librarians from civil and criminal liability for certain actions

This bill, the "Protecting Libraries' Independence Act," directly affects public libraries, their librarians, and patrons. It requires public libraries to make reasonable efforts to provide requested library materials (like books, databases, or media) to residents served by the library, within professional standards. Crucially, it shields librarians and library staff from civil or criminal lawsuits for good-faith decisions about selecting, curating, or removing materials under this law. The measure aims to protect library independence by reducing legal risks for staff handling material choices.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProtects library access to materials, supporting educational access by shielding librarians from liability for providing requested resources within professional standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4214: Establishes family literacy programs for economically disadvantaged families living in poverty areas or areas with low-performing public schools

Establishes family literacy programs for economically disadvantaged families living in poverty areas or areas with low-performing public schools; provides for competitive matching grants to establish a comprehensive program; requires commissioner of education to submit an annual report to the governor and legislature.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes competitive grants for family literacy programs in low-performing schools, expanding educational access and support for disadvantaged families.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · New York · Senate May 15, 2025

S 8116: Relates to the practice of banning books by publicly funded libraries

Provides that publicly funded libraries may not ban books because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval; directs school districts to adopt the ALA library bill of rights.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationPrevents book bans in publicly funded libraries/schools, promoting educational access and academic freedom per ALA standards, directly supporting curriculum diversity and student access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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