SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5292

                    As of February 3, 1999

Title:  An act relating to the purchase of works of art for schools located in rural communities.

Brief Description:  Changing the art selection process for schools located in rural communities.

Sponsors:  Senators Morton, Rasmussen, Eide, Sellar, Hochstatter, Stevens, Zarelli, Benton and Honeyford.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  2/3/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  William Bridges (786-7424)

Background:  In 1974, the Legislature created the "Art in Public Places Program."  The program is administered by the Washington State Arts Commission and its purpose is to foster culture and the arts and to provide works of art in public places.  The acquisition of art for a  public school is funded from the state capital budget by an appropriation of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction of an amount equal to .5 percent of the state funds to be spent on the construction of a new building for the school.  Under current law, at least 85 percent of this appropriation is to be used for the acquisition of art, with the remainder to be used by the Washington State Arts Commission for administrative purposes.

The Washington State Arts Commission, in consultation with the Superintendent of Public Instruction and representatives of local school boards, selects and purchases art for public schools.  The Superintendent of Public Instruction and local school boards have the following rights in the art selection process:  (1) the right to waive the .5 percent appropriation; (2) the right to appoint a voting representative to a panel that prepares a roster of eligible artists; (3) the right to reject the art chosen by a local selection committee; and (4) the right to reject the placement of any portable works of art.  A rejection of art will not jeopardize the appropriated construction funds.  Any unspent funds can only be used on art within the school district or the school district may elect to contribute the funds to other school districts subject to the discretion of the arts commission.

Summary of Bill:  For rural school districts with student populations under 1,500 students, the local school board, in consultation with the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington State Arts Commission, must select and purchase art for schools.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.