PRIA Logo™
MarylandSB 03782026 Regular SessionSenate

Public Libraries - Young Readers Matching Grant Program, Funding, and Services

Sponsored By: Guy Guzzone (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Education - MiscellaneousApplicants and ApplicationsAppropriationsCivil Rights and Social EquityCommunity Facilities and ServicesCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Early Childhood EducationEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.FormsGovernorGrantsInformation TechnologyIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Internet AccessJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLibraries -see also- ArchivesLiteracyLow-IncomeMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.Municipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltNamesNonprofit OrganizationsResidency -see also- Immigrants and CitizenshipRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Standards and Best PracticesTechnology -see also- AeroT; BioT; EnergyT; InfoT; MedT; etcWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Grants to gift free books to kids

The law creates the Young Readers Grant Program in the State Library Agency. The State Librarian runs it and gives grants to public libraries and nonprofit partners that gift books. Applicants must use the State Librarian’s form and include a plan to gift books, with steps to reach kids in low‑income ZIP codes. The Governor must include $450,000 in the budget each year for this program. The program starts July 1, 2026.

Higher per‑resident funding for libraries

The law sets minimum yearly state payments per resident to library systems. Regional resource centers get: $10.19 (FY2028), $10.40 (FY2029), $10.60 (FY2030), $10.81 (FY2031), and $11.02 (FY2032 and later). County public library systems get: $19.50 (FY2028), $19.92 (FY2029), $20.32 (FY2030), $20.74 (FY2031), and $21.15 (FY2032 and later). These are annual minimum state payments based on the population served. The schedule applies for the listed fiscal years.

Libraries must offer key community services

Each public library must offer at least one key service. Options include early childhood literacy, tech and job skills, digital equity and internet access, acting as a distribution site in emergencies, or mental health and well‑being support. Libraries may run the service alone or with government or nonprofit partners. This requirement starts July 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Guy Guzzone

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Malcolm Augustine

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jack Bailey

    Republican • Senate

  • Paul D. Corderman

    Republican • Senate

  • Shelly Hettleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • J.B. Jennings

    Republican • Senate

  • Nancy J. King

    Democratic • Senate

  • Karen Lewis Young

    Democratic • Senate

  • Cory V. McCray

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jim Rosapepe

    Democratic • Senate

  • Johnny Ray Salling

    Republican • Senate

  • Craig J. Zucker

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 197 • No: 20

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 116 • No: 20 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 625

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (39-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (116-20)

    4/10/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {943525/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations

    4/8/2026House

  9. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  10. Referred Appropriations

    3/21/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    3/20/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {423624/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

    3/19/2026Senate

  15. Hearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m.

    2/3/2026Senate

  16. Hearing canceled

    2/3/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/28/2026Senate

  18. First Reading Budget and Taxation

    1/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/27/2026

    PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation