BILL ANALYSIS �
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 1455
Author: DeSaulnier (D)
Amended: 5/27/14
Vote: 21
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE : 5-0, 4/2/14
AYES: Liu, Correa, Hancock, Hueso, Monning
NO VOTE RECORDED: Wyland, Block, Galgiani, Huff
SENATE GOVERNANCE & FINANCE COMMITTEE : 4-2, 4/30/14
AYES: Wolk, DeSaulnier, Hernandez, Liu
NOES: Knight, Walters
NO VOTE RECORDED: Beall
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE : 6-1, 5/23/14
AYES: De Le�n, Gaines, Hill, Lara, Padilla, Steinberg
NOES: Walters
SUBJECT : Public library: facilities
SOURCE : California Library Association
DIGEST : This bill requires the State Librarian, using
existing resources, to prepare a comprehensive assessment on the
statewide need for the new construction, renovation, and
rehabilitation of public libraries and to submit a report to the
Governor, the Department of Finance (DOF), the Legislative
Analyst, and the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the
Legislature on or before August 15, 2015.
CONTINUED
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ANALYSIS : In 1988, the voters approved $75 million in state
general obligation (GO) bonds under the California Library
Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 1988 to establish a
grant fund for the acquisition, construction, remodeling, or
rehabilitation of public library facilities.
In 2000, the voters approved $350 million in state GO bonds
under the California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public
Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 2000
(Proposition (Prop) 14) for the purpose of financing public
library construction and renovation. These funds have been
fully expended.
In June of 2006, the voters rejected Proposition 81, a $600
million state GO bond measure, with approximately 53% of voters
voting against it. Prop 81, similar to the California Reading
and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and
Renovation Bond Act of 2000, would have provided financing for
public library construction and renovation. However, the
measure would have given priority to projects that were deemed
"Outstanding" for Prop 14 funds but not funded in the third
application cycle.
This bill:
1.Requires the Librarian, using existing resources, to prepare a
comprehensive assessment on the statewide need for the new
construction, renovation, and rehabilitation of public
libraries and to submit a report to the Governor, DOF, the
Legislative Analyst, and the appropriate policy and fiscal
committees of the Legislature on or before August 15, 2015.
2.Makes findings and declarations related to public libraries.
Background
California Constitution (Cal. Const.) Article XVI Section 1 and
the state's General Obligation Bond Law guide the issuance of GO
debt. Cal. Const. allows the Legislature to place GO bonds on
the ballot for specific purposes with a 2/3-vote of the Assembly
and Senate. Voters also can place bonds on the ballot by
initiative. Unlike local GO bonds, when the state's electorate
approves a state GO bond, passage does not automatically trigger
an increased tax or dedicated revenue stream to repay the bonds.
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Cal. Const. Article XVI commits the state to repay investors
from general revenues above all other claims, except payments to
public education.
In 1988, the voters approved $75 million in state GO bonds under
the California Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of
1988 to establish a grant fund for the acquisition,
construction, remodeling, or rehabilitation of public library
facilities.
In 2000, the voters approved $350 million in state GO bonds
under the Library Bond Act of 2000 for the purpose of financing
public library construction and renovation. These funds have
been fully expended.
In June of 2006, the voters rejected a $600 million state GO
bond measure, with approximately 53% of voters voting against
it. Proposition 81, similar to the California Reading and
Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and
Renovation Bond Act of 2000, would have provided financing for
public library construction and renovation.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes
Local: No
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, the needs
assessment: $43,000 in one-time costs to the Librarian to
conduct the required assessment.
SUPPORT : (Verified 5/27/14)
California Library Association (source)
AFSCME
California Special Districts Association
California State Association of Counties
City of Burbank
City of Concord, Mayor, Timothy S. Grayson
City of Roseville, Mayor, Susan Rohan
City of Salinas, Mayor, Joe Gunter
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
Palos Verdes Library District
Sacramento County
Santa Cruz Public Libraries, David Terrazas, Chairperson
Libraries Joint Powers Board
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Shasta County
The Friends of the Goleta Valley Library
Yorba Linda Public Library
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT : According to the author's office,
public libraries are a vital part of the educational system.
They provide resources and services for all residents of
California, including preschoolers and K-12 and college-aged
students. Libraries are offering essential public services such
as online homework tutoring, computer-based resume building, job
search programs, and literacy tutoring. The author's office
indicates that in new communities, residents are demanding
library facilities, and in older communities, many libraries are
inadequate and are in need of rehabilitation or seismic retrofit
upgrade. Additionally, several libraries lack the physical
infrastructure to allow them to benefit from modern broadband
technology upgrades.
PQ:k 5/27/14 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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