Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Capital Budget Committee

HB 1054

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 Summary of Bill

Authorizes the Superintendent of Public Instruction to allocate the one-half of one percent art allocation for the acquisition of instruction-related equipment and technology systems, rather than for the acquisition of art, if requested by a school district's Board of Directors through a properly executed resolution.

Background:

The Art in Public Places Program (Program), a visual art program administered by the Washington State Arts Commission (Commission), was established in 1974 to acquire works of art and to develop, administer, and conserve the state art collection. The Program is funded from the state capital budget through an allocation of one-half of one percent of any moneys appropriated for the original construction of any public building, excluding highway construction sheds, warehouses, or other temporary buildings. The arts funding requirement is also applied to major renovations exceeding $200,000 on state college and university campuses.

State entities required to include art in construction projects include all state agencies, boards, councils, commissions, and quasi-public corporations; all public universities and colleges; and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, who allocates state funding to public school districts. Works of art acquired through the Program are generally displayed within the newly constructed public building or in the community near the building.

Proviso language in the 2011-13 Capital Budget requires at least 85 percent of moneys spent during the biennium be used for the direct acquisition of works of art. In addition, up to $100,000 of the funds may be used for conservation and maintenance of existing pieces in the state art collection. The Commission, in consultation with partner agencies, may also pool funds from multiple construction projects to fund larger works of art or mobile displays.

Summary of Bill:

The Superintendent of Public Instruction is authorized to allocate the one-half of one percent art allocation for the acquisition of instruction-related equipment and technology systems, rather than for the acquisition of art, if requested by a school district's Board of Directors through a properly executed resolution.