Pennsylvania HB 1178: An Act amending Title 24 (Education) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in public library code, providing for Rural Library Grant Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Education.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1315
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1178
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY DIAMOND, JAMES, HANBIDGE, BURGOS, WAXMAN, CAUSER
AND RIVERA, APRIL 9, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT, APRIL 9, 2025
AN ACT
Amending Title 24 (Education) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes, in public library code, providing for Rural Library
Grant Program; and imposing duties on the Department of
Education.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 93 of Title 24 of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a subchapter to read:
SUBCHAPTER F
RURAL LIBRARY GRANT PROGRAM
Sec.
9391. Definitions.
9392. Rural Library Grant Program.
9393. Application and approval.
9394. Funding.
9395. Reporting.
§ 9391. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
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context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Department." As defined in section 102 (relating to
definitions).
"Eligible applicant." A local library with a population
service area of less than 10,000 inhabitants.
"Grant program." The Rural Library Grant Program established
under section 9392 (relating to Rural Library Grant Program).
§ 9392. Rural Library Grant Program.
(a) Establishment.--The Rural Library Grant Program is
established as a competitive grant program in the department.
(b) Use of grants.--Money awarded under the grant program
shall be used for the following:
(1) Maintenance projects.
(2) Roof repairs and roof replacement.
(3) Boilers and controls.
(4) Plumbing systems.
(5) Energy savings projects.
(6) Heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.
(7) Health and safety upgrades.
(8) Emergencies.
(9) Internet connectivity, but not including purchasing
educational technology hardware or software.
(10) Accessibility projects, in accordance with
standards under 42 U.S.C. Ch. 126 (relating to equal
opportunity for individuals with disabilities).
(c) Department powers and duties.--The department shall:
(1) Within 60 days of the effective date of this
paragraph, establish guidelines necessary to award grants
under this subchapter.
(2) Award annual grants under the grant program in
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accordance with this subchapter to eligible applicants for
uses provided under subsection (b).
(3) Determine the form and manner by which applicants
may apply for a grant under section 9393 (relating to
application and approval) and post the information on the
department's publicly accessible Internet website.
§ 9393. Application and approval.
(a) Applications.--An application for a grant under this
subchapter shall be submitted by an eligible applicant in the
form and manner prescribed by the department.
(b) Review process.--
(1) The department shall review applications and make
awards subject to subsection (c).
(2) The department shall consider the geographical
distribution of money to ensure that all areas of this
Commonwealth participate to the greatest extent possible.
(3) An eligible applicant may revise and resubmit a
denied application to the department.
(c) Allocation.--Each grant awarded under this section shall
be for a minimum of $20,000, but no more than $100,000 in a
fiscal year.
§ 9394. Funding.
The General Assembly shall appropriate money to the
department from the General Fund for the purpose of awarding
grants under this subchapter.
§ 9395. Reporting.
The department shall publish a list of the projects funded,
including the name of the awardee and amount awarded, on the
publicly accessible Internet website of the department.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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