HB 0403 2003
1	A bill to be entitled
2	An act relating to libraries; creating s. 257.193, F.S.;
3	establishing Community Libraries In Caring grants to
4	assist libraries in specified rural communities; providing
5	criteria for eligibility; providing for administration by
6	the Division of Library and Information Services;
7	providing an appropriation; providing an effective date.
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9	Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
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11	Section 1. Section 257.193, Florida Statutes, is created
12	to read:
13	257.193 Community Libraries In Caring grants.--The purpose
14	of a Community Libraries In Caring grant is to assist libraries
15	in rural communities, as defined in ss. 288.0656(2)(b) and
16	288.06561, to strengthen their collections and services, improve
17	literacy in the community, and improve the economic viability of
18	the community. A library may apply for a grant of up to $10,000.
19	In order to be eligible for a grant, a library must show local
20	or other support which shall include cash, in-kind, or other
21	forms of assistance. The Division of Library and Information
22	Services of the Department of State shall administer the grant,
23	develop rules that establish the application procedures and
24	criteria for the review of grant applications and grant awards,
25	and facilitate the exchange of ideas and services to foster the
26	purposes of the grant.
27	Section 2.There is appropriated from the General Revenue
28	Fund to the Department of State the sum of $100,000 for the
29	purpose of funding rural communities, as defined in ss.
30	288.0656(2)(b) and 288.06561, Florida Statutes, for the cost of
31	implementing the Community Libraries In Caring grant, created by
32	s. 257.193, Florida Statutes.
33	Section 3. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.
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