Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Capital Budget Committee

HB 1318

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Making the public art capital budget language permanent for efficiency.

Sponsors: Representatives Tharinger, Van Werven, Eslick, Ryu, Senn, Thai, Jinkins and Wylie; by request of Arts Commission.

Brief Summary of Bill

Authorizes higher education institutions and state agencies to use up to 10 percent of the art allocation during the design phase.

Hearing Date: 1/29/19

Staff: Melissa Palmer (786-7388).

Background:

The Legislature established the Art in Public Places Program, administered by the Washington State Arts Commission (Commission), in 1974. Artwork acquisition is funded through Washington's Omnibus Capital Appropriations Act (Capital Budget) using a formula of 0.5 percent of the state's portion of construction for new buildings. This amount includes art allocations for construction of K-12 public schools, higher education institutions, and state agencies. Higher education institutions also receive 0.5 percent for renovation projects exceeding $200,000. These artworks become part of the State Art Collection. The State Art Collection includes over 4,700 works. During fiscal year 2018, the Commission initiated 24 and closed 24 art projects.

The Capital Budget includes specific provisions related to art allocations, including the parameters for amounts expended on direct acquisitions, the lapsing of art allocations, and an annual report. The 2017-19 Capital Budget and 2018 Supplemental Budget also authorized higher education institutions and state agencies, working with the Commission, to expend up to 10 percent of the art allocation during the design phase.

Summary of Bill:

Higher education institutions and state agencies that receive funding in the capital budget are permitted to expend up to 10 percent of the art allocation during the design phase. The one-half of 1 percent to be expended must be adjusted downward by the amount expended during the design phase.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.