Vermont S 232: An act relating to implementing the expansion of juvenile jurisdiction

Bill Text

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VT LEG #390171 v.1
No. 127. An act relating to public libraries and the Department of
Libraries.
(S.232)
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
* * * Findings * * *
Sec. 1. FINDINGS
The General Assembly finds:
(1) The State of Vermont and its communities depend on libraries as
centers for learning, social connection, technological access, disaster
preparedness and response, support of health care and social services, and
numerous other vital services.
(2) As places of public accommodation, public libraries are obligated to
ensure that their services, facilities, and resources are inclusive and accessible
to all. However, many of Vermont’s existing library facilities require
improvements in order to fulfill this obligation and meet programming needs.
(3) Early literacy is integral to student preparedness and success.
Vermont’s Department of Libraries and statewide network of public libraries
are uniquely suited to play a critical role in improving the literacy skills of
students throughout the State.
(4) It is essential that the State raise awareness about public libraries and
their offerings in order to ensure their continued beneficial impact and
continued accessibility for all Vermont residents.

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(5) For more than 125 years, public libraries have provided diverse
afterschool and summer programs and literacy opportunities to all children free
of charge. These programs often include literacy, arts, technology, or science
education; nutritious meals; and creative recreational activities.
* * * Vermont Libraries Day * * *
Sec. 2. 1 V.S.A. § 379 is added to read:
§ 379. VERMONT LIBRARIES DAY
The third Monday in the month of October is designated as “Vermont
Libraries Day.”
* * * Afterschool, Summer Reading, and Early Education Funding for Public
Libraries * * *
Sec. 3. 16 V.S.A. § 51 is amended to read:
§ 51. UNIVERSAL AFTERSCHOOL AND SUMMER SPECIAL FUND
(a) The Universal Afterschool and Summer Special Fund is created, to be
managed by the Agency of Education. The cannabis sales tax revenue shall be
deposited into the Universal Afterschool and Summer Special Fund. The Fund
shall be used as follows:
(1) To establish a grant program that supports the expansion of
sustaining or expanding universal afterschool and summer programs with a
focus on underserved areas of the State.
(2) Cannabis sales tax revenue shall be used to support a mixed delivery
system for afterschool and summer programming. Eligible recipients can be

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public, private, or nonprofit organizations, including public libraries, schools,
and volunteer mentoring programs. The Agency may allocate a portion of the
funds annually to the Department of Libraries for the purpose of providing
subgrants to public libraries to sustain or create summer and afterschool
programming. A coalition or group of public libraries may also apply for a
grant from the Agency or Department.
* * *
(E) The Agency shall create a simple application and reporting
process that reduces barriers to grant program participation for small,
community-based organizations, such as rural public libraries, volunteer
mentoring programs, and similar organizations.
(b) An advisory committee is created to support the Secretary in
administering the funds. The Agency shall provide administrative and
technical support to the advisory committee. The advisory committee shall be
composed of:
* * *
(7) the Vermont Afterschool Executive Director or designee; and
(8) a representative from the Governor’s office; and
(9) the State Librarian or designee.
* * *
(e) Annually, the advisory committee shall solicit public input on the grant
program and procedures established pursuant to this section. The advisory

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committee shall hold a meeting to discuss the public input and any plans to
implement recommended changes to the grant program.
Sec. 4. 16 V.S.A. § 4014 is amended to read:
§ 4014. EARLY EDUCATION
(a) The Secretary may grant funds for voluntary early education programs.
The funds may be used for personnel costs, training of parents and staff,
materials and educational equipment, and other costs related to early education
programs, including training for public library staff.
(b) The Secretary shall solicit proposals for early education programs from
community organizations serving young children. Community organizations
include school districts; public libraries; other public agencies, including Head
Start programs; and private agencies, including child care programs and
parent-child centers.
* * *
* * * Department of Libraries; Duties * * *
Sec. 5. 22 V.S.A. § 605 is amended to read:
§ 605. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
LIBRARIES
The duties and functions of the Department of Libraries shall be to provide,
administer, and maintain:
* * *
(2) A digital or physical collection of federal documents.

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