SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5019
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. |
As of January 28, 2009
Title: An act relating to resident curators of state properties.
Brief Description: Concerning resident curators of state properties.
Sponsors: Senators Honeyford and Swecker.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/27/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Edward Redmond (786-7471)
Background: Resident curatorship programs secure private funding and labor for the restoration and maintenance of state-owned historical property. A resident curator agrees to live in a historical property for low to no rental payments and in exchange restores the property using private funds. Maryland was the first to pioneer this program in 1982, contracting over 42 curatorships and budgeting returns of over $8 million worth of improvements to historical properties. Curatorship programs have subsequently been adopted in Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
Summary of Bill: State agencies with statutory authority may lease state-owned property to private parties at below fair-market value in exchange for the private party's agreement to restore, maintain, rehabilitate, or otherwise improve the property. The agreement must be in writing and must clearly specify the improvements to be made to the property. Agencies must consult with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and comply with the standards of the Federal Department of the Interior if the property is listed or eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Washington Heritage Register, or a local historic register.
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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is a way to encourage agencies, with the authority to lease state-owned property, to enact a curatorship program. People would be allowed to occupy a historic structure and, in lieu of their rent, they would be required to restore the property.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Honeyford, prime sponsor.