Purpose

The bill changes how school library aid can be used. It requires the aid to be reserved and spent specifically on certain library-related costs inside a school library or school library media center (as defined in section 124D.991). The goal is to ensure funds directly support library staff, technology, and resources in a clearly defined way.

Main Provisions

The bill adds a required list of five categories for uses of school library aid: 1) Salaries and benefits of a school library media specialist 2) Electronic computer and audiovisual equipment 3) Information technology infrastructure and digital tools 4) Electronic and material resources 5) Furniture, equipment, or supplies

These costs must be funded directly from school library aid within the school library or school library media center.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The current statute (Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 124D.992 subdivision 2) is amended.
• Uses of school library aid are narrowed and specifically itemized to the five categories above.
• The funds must be restricted to these purposes and used within the defined library setting (the school library or school library media center).

Implementation and Impact

• School districts and charter schools will need to budget and allocate school library aid to the five identified categories.
• This makes funding for library staff, technology, and resources more explicit and potentially more accountable.
• It may influence how libraries purchase equipment and resources, and how library staff roles are funded.

Relevant Terms - school library aid - school library media specialist - electronic computer equipment - audiovisual equipment - information technology infrastructure - digital tools - electronic resources - material resources - furniture - equipment - supplies - school library - school library media center - section 124D.991 - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 124D.992 subdivision 2 - education finance