SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5693

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 February 9, 2009

Title: An act relating to removing the requirement to purchase art for public buildings during the 2009-2011 biennium.

Brief Description: Removing the requirement to purchase art for public buildings during the 2009-2011 biennium.

Sponsors: Senators Hobbs, Hewitt, Schoesler, Zarelli, Berkey, Hatfield, McCaslin, Shin, Carrell, Becker and Benton.

Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 2/10/09.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff: Brian Sims (786-7431)

Background: The Art in Public Places Program, administered by the Washington State Arts Commission, was established in 1974. State-funded construction projects are required to allocate 0.5 percent of the project appropriation to acquisition, installation, and conservation of works of art. State entities required to include art in construction projects include agencies, boards, councils, commissions, quasi-public corporations, and public schools. The arts funding requirement is also applied to major renovations exceeding $200,000 on state colleges and university campuses.

Works of art acquired through the program become part of the state art collection and are generally displayed within the newly constructed public building or in the community near the building. A portion of the arts funding may also be used by the Arts Commission to administer the program and conserve the collection of public art.

Summary of Bill: The Art in Public Places program is suspended during the 2009-11 biennium.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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