Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Committee | |
HB 2192
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 Description: Providing funds to restore public school art programs.
Sponsors: Representatives Kenney, Hankins, Morrell, Skinner, Hasegawa, Pettigrew, P. Sullivan, McIntire, Pedersen, Ormsby, Santos, Upthegrove, Hudgins, McDermott, Sells, Lantz, Appleton, Kessler, Moeller, Kagi, Conway, Wood, Roberts and Simpson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/07
Staff: Ben Rarick (786-7349).
Background:
When the state lottery was originally established in 1982, the Legislature deposited the net lottery
revenues into the state general fund. In 1995 and 1997, the legislature dedicated a portion of net
lottery proceeds to pay off bonds issued to construct sports stadiums in Seattle. The portion of
lottery revenue dedicated to the debt service on the bonds for the Safeco Field baseball stadium
grows at four percent per year, and is estimated to total $9.6 million in the 2007-09 fiscal
biennium.
As a result of the passage of Initiative 728 in 2000, all other net lottery revenues were dedicated
for educational purposes. For fiscal years 2001-2004, remaining net lottery revenues were
divided between the Student Achievement Fund and the Education Construction Fund. Since
fiscal year 2005, all net lottery revenues not otherwise dedicated have been deposited into the
Education Construction Fund.
The lottery distribution for the Safeco Field bonds ceases on the earlier of bond retirement or
twenty years after imposition of the local sales tax for the stadium. Based on current forecasts,
the Safeco Field bonds will be paid off early. The current payoff date is projected to occur
during the 2011 fiscal year. After the retirement of the Safeco Field bonds, this portion of net
lottery revenue will be deposited in the Education Construction Fund
The Washington State Arts Commission (WSAC) is the state agency established in 1961 to
support the arts as essential to the state's social, educational and economic growth, and to
contribute to Washington's quality of life and the well being of its citizens. The WSAC is
governed by a board of four legislators and 19 governor-appointed citizens. Included in its
strategic plan is the goal to "improve teaching and learning by supporting and promoting
sustainable arts-based curricula and programs in K-12 public schools."
Summary of Bill:
When lottery revenues cease to be distributed for debt service on the baseball stadium bonds, that
portion of lottery revenues will be deposited in the School Art Restoration Program Account,
which is created in the state Treasury.
Beginning with the 2012-13 school year, the WSAC, in consultation with the Office of the
Superintendent of Public Instruction, shall establish an annual competitive grant process to
restore art programs in public schools.
Cities, counties, art organizations, and school districts would be able to apply to the WSAC for
grants, but the application process shall encourage collaboration among the various entities. To
the maximum extent possible, the grants awarded shall be administered using existing local city
and county art organizations. To the maximum extent possible, the competitive grant amounts
awarded must reflect the distribution of the lottery revenues generated from RCW 67.70.240(6).
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.