Title: An act relating to expenditures for works of art.

Brief Description: Regarding expenditures for works of art.

Sponsors: Senators Carrell, Sheldon, McCaslin, Mulliken, Hargrove, Benson, Berkey, Schoesler, Kastama, Honeyford, Esser, Schmidt and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Cindy Fazio (786-7405)

Background: State agencies must allocate one half of one percent from the appropriation of money for the original construction of public buildings. The money is spent by the Washington State arts commission on the acquisition of works of art. The art is placed on public lands attached to, or integral to, a public building; is placed in public buildings; or is loaned to, or exhibited in, other public facilities.

The allocated percentage is also used to provide for the administration of the visual arts program by the Washington State arts commission, and all costs for installation of the works of art.

Summary of Bill: The legislature concludes that the placement of art at a correctional facility that houses sex offenders is not a priority over other state programs such as education, and public safety, and constitutes a misuse and waste of taxpayer funds. The legislature intends to prohibit the expenditure of public funds on placement of works of art in the special commitment center house at McNeil Island.

No money must be expended on, or allocated for, the acquisition or placement of works of art in a total confinement facility.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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