Bill > SB515

This bill modifies the funding calculation for the State Library Resource Center (SLRC), which is the Central Library of the Enoch Pratt Free Library System, by updating the per-resident funding rates for fiscal years 2027 and beyond. Specifically, the bill sets the funding rate at $9.99 per resident for regional resource centers starting in fiscal year 2027, and establishes a progressive funding schedule for the State Library Resource Center itself, beginning with $2.15 per state resident in fiscal year 2027, increasing to $2.24 in fiscal year 2028, $2.33 in fiscal year 2029, $2.42 in fiscal year 2030, and then reaching $2.52 per state resident in fiscal year 2031 and subsequent years. These changes are designed to provide consistent and incrementally increasing financial support for library services, ensuring that both regional resource centers and the State Library Resource Center have predictable funding to maintain and expand their operations and capital expenses. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing libraries and funding authorities time to prepare for the new funding structure.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0515?ys=2025RS