NY A00165

Commissioner of education authorized to design and implement the Empire State Children's Book Project, including developing criteria to select five finalist books and designing a statewide voting contest for elementary school students.

Statewide contest conducted biennially in which all elementary school students vote to select the official Empire State Children's Book from among five finalists.

Official children's book displayed and sold at public elementary schools, public libraries, state museums, state-sponsored children's events, and on the state website during its two-year reign.

All proceeds from sales of the official state children's book directed to offset future costs of the Empire State Children's Book Project.

First official children's book must be chosen by October 1, 2013; act takes effect immediately.