S 5494 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to state financial aid for library social work services

Summary

Creates a program to award state financial aid for social work services to be provided in libraries located in economically disadvantaged communities to enhance and expand access to services in places where individuals seek assistance and resources.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Jun 2026

Senate Passage

Jun 2026

Assembly Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 21, 2025 Last action Jun 3, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

S5494 → S5494A · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to shift from a permanent mandate to a three-year pilot program for placing social workers in libraries. The changes also expand eligibility to include association libraries and allow grants to be awarded through a competitive process rather than automatic approval.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from a permanent state aid provision to a temporary three-year pilot program. Eligibility was expanded to include association libraries in addition to public libraries and public library systems.

TIMELINE

The legislation is now a pilot program limited to a three-year period instead of a permanent provision.

ELIGIBILITY

Association libraries are now explicitly included as eligible recipients of the grants alongside public libraries and library systems.

FISCAL

Grants must now be awarded through a competitive process and are limited to the amount of funds appropriated by the legislature.

REQUIREMENT

The application process now allows libraries to request grants to contract with local social services departments or non-profits, not just to hire social workers directly.

Floor votes · Senate Jun 3, 2026

How they voted

56–5

Passed · 2 other

Total votes 63

Jun 3, 2026

D Democratic41

39 Yea 2

95% Yea

R Republican22

17 Yea 5 Nay

77% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 3, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION

lower

Jun 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

PASSED SENATE

upper

May 28, 2026

Committee

COMMITTEE DISCHARGED AND COMMITTED TO RULES

upper

Apr 28, 2026

Committee

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE

upper

Apr 7, 2026

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 5494A

upper

Apr 7, 2026

Upper · Passed

AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO LIBRARIES

upper

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO LIBRARIES

upper

Apr 8, 2025

Committee

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE

upper

Feb 21, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO LIBRARIES

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors