SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5190

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.

Title: An act relating to eliminating the requirement to purchase public art with appropriations made for construction of public buildings.

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Hill, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Honeyford, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Bailey, Becker, Brown, Hewitt, O'Ban, Padden, Parlette, Schoesler and Warnick.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senators Hargrove, Ranking Member; Keiser, Assistant Ranking Member on the Capital Budget; Billig, Conway, Fraser, Hasegawa, Kohl-Welles and Rolfes.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senator Hatfield.

Background: One-half of 1 percent of the state appropriations for original construction costs of state-owned buildings and public schools is allocated solely for the acquisition of artwork to be displayed within public buildings or on public lands. This requirement applies only to new construction for state agencies and public schools, and to new construction or renovation projects over $200,000 for colleges and universities. The Washington State Arts Commission operates the Art in Public Places program and expends 85 percent of these funds to purchase artwork that: may be placed on public lands; may be within or outside of a public building or structure; or may be part of a portable, temporary, or loaned exhibition. The remaining funds pays for program administration costs, which currently includes up to $100,000 for the conservation and maintenance of the state art collection.

Summary of Bill: The one-half of 1 percent allocation of construction funds for the acquisition of public artwork is repealed. The processes for the purchase of public artwork with such funds are also repealed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: CON: The Art in Public Places program enriches and enhances public buildings and provides access to create professional artwork guided by local decisions. The program also creates jobs for artists, welders, engineers, and others who collaborate on the project. The bill would eliminate three staff, artwork acquisition, and funding for the maintenance of the state art collection.