California Library Services, Equity in Opportunity Act.

Assembly Member Hart's proposal to rename and restructure California's library services framework centers on transforming the California Library Services Act into the California Library Services, Equity in Opportunity Act, establishing new parameters for library access and governance across the state.

The legislation recasts the existing California Library Services Board as the California Library Services, Equity in Opportunity Board, reducing membership from 13 to 11 representatives. Under the new structure, the Governor would appoint seven members while the Legislature would appoint four - two each by the Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker of the Assembly. Board members would serve four-year terms beginning January 1, with six members required for valid action.

The bill outlines core services that public libraries must provide, including broadband access, early learning resources, academic support materials, and literacy programs. It explicitly prohibits requirements for libraries to include or exclude specific materials as a condition of receiving funds. The State Librarian would serve as the board's chief executive officer, reviewing compliance with the Act's provisions and providing staff support. The legislation maintains local funding as the primary source for public libraries while acknowledging variations in jurisdictions' ability to provide services based on local tax bases.

The measure defines key terms including "equal and equitable access" as non-discriminatory service provision regardless of circumstance, and "underserved" populations as those facing geographic isolation, economic disadvantage, language barriers, or other access challenges. These definitions aim to standardize implementation across California's network of over 1,130 public libraries.