PASSED AT THE 140TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE, BEGUN
JANUARY 3, 1917, AND ENDED MAY 10, 1917, AT THE CITY OF ALBANY, AND
INCLUDING CHAPTERS 810-821, PASSED AT THE EXTRAORDINARY SESSION,
BEGUN JULY 31, 1917, AND ENDED OCTOBER 2, 1917.

VOLUME II.

Chap. 214.

AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to the wider use of school buildings and the establishment of civic forums and community centers.

Became a law April 19, 1917, with the approval of the Governor. Passed, three-fifths being present.

The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:

ch. 21,

generally

L. 1910,

Section 1. Section four hundred and fifty-five of chapter L. 1909, twenty-one of the laws of nineteen hundred and nine, entitled "Al§ 455, as act relating to education, constituting chapter sixteen of the con- amended by solidated laws," as amended by chapter one hundred and forty of ch. 140, and the laws of nineteen hundred and ten and chapter two hundred and 1913, twenty-one of the laws of nineteen hundred and thirteen, is hereby amended. amended to read as follows:

$455. Use of schoolhouse and grounds out of school hours. Schoolhouses and the grounds connected therewith and all property belonging to the district shall be in the custody and under the control and supervision of the trustees or board of education of the district. The trustees or board of education may adopt reasonable regulations for the use of such schoolhouses, grounds or other property, when not in use for school purposes, for such other public purposes as are herein provided.1 Such regulations shall not conflict with the provisions of this chapter and shall conform to the purposes and intent of this section and shall be subject to review on appeal to the commissioner of education as provided by law. The trustees or board of education of each district may, subject to regulations adopted as above provided, permit the use of the

1 Words "for such other public purposes as are herein provided," new.

amended by

ch. 221,

schoolhouse and rooms therein, and the grounds and other property of the district, when not in use for school purposes, for any of the following purposes:

1. By persons assembling therein for the purpose of giving and receiving instruction in any branch of education, learning

or the arts.

2. For public library purposes, subject to the provisions of this chapter, or as stations of public libraries.

3. For holding social, civic and recreational meetings and entertainments, and other uses pertaining to the welfare of the community; but such meetings, entertainment and uses shall be nonexclusive and shall be open to the general public.

4. For meetings, entertainments and occasions where admission fees are charged, when the proceeds thereof are to be expended for an educational or charitable purpose; but such use shall not be permitted if such meetings, entertainments and occasions are under the exclusive control, and the said proceeds are to be applied for the benefit of a society, association or organization of a religious sect or denomination, or of a fraternal, secret or other exclusive society or organization.

5. For polling places for holding primaries and elections, and for the registration of voters, and for holding political meetings. But no such use shall be permitted unless authorized by a vote of a district meeting, held as provided by law. It shall be the duty of the trustees or board of education to call a special meeting for such purpose upon the petition of at least ten per centum of the qualified electors of the district. If such authority be granted by a district meeting it shall be the duty of such trustees or board of education to permit such use, under reasonable regulations to be adopted by such trustees or board until another meeting held in like manner shall have revoked such authority.

6.2 For civic forums and community centers. Upon the petition of at least twenty-five citizens residing within the district or city, the trustees or board of education in each school district or city shall organize and conduct community centers for civic purposes, and civic forums in the several school districts and cities, to promote and advance principles of Americanization among the residents of the state. The trustees or board of education in each school district or city, when organizing such community centers or civic forums, shall provide funds for the maintenance and support

Subd. 6 new.

of such community centers and civic forums, and shall prescribe regulations for their conduct and supervision, provided that nothing herein contained shall prohibit the trustees of such school district or the board of education to prescribe and adopt rules and regulations to make such community centers or civic forums selfsupporting as far as practicable. Such community centers and civic forums shall be at all times under the control of the trustees. or board of education in each school district or city, and shall be nonexclusive and open to the general public.

§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

Chap. 215.

AN ACT to amend the general municipal law, in relation to playgrounds and neighborhood recreation centers in cities and villages.

Became a law April 19, 1917, with the approval of the Governor. Passed, three-fifths being present.

The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:

ch. 29,

art. 14 and

Section 1. Article thirteen and sections two hundred and forty L. 1909, and two hundred and forty-one of chapter twenty-nine of the laws art. 13 and of nineteen hundred and nine, entitled "An act relating to munici- renumbered pal corporations, constituting chapter twenty-four of the consoli- $ 200, 301; dated laws," are hereby renumbered, respectively, article fourteen added. and sections three hundred and three hundred and one, and a new → article thirteen added to read as follows:

ARTICLE 13.

PLAYGROUNDS AND NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATION CENTERS.

Section 240. Application of article.

241. Dedication or acquisition of land or buildings for
playgrounds or neighborhood recreation centers.

242. Equipment and operation.

243. Recreation commission.

244. Organization of commission.

245. Expenses incurred under article.

246. Annual appropriation.

new art. 18