SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5100

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 20, 2011

Title: An act relating to expenditures for works of art.

Brief Description: Concerning expenditures for works of art.

Sponsors: Senators Carrell, Schoesler, Swecker, Benton, Stevens, Morton, King and Zarelli.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 1/20/11.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff: Kevin Black (786-7747)

Background: State law provides that 0.5 percent of any monies appropriated for the original construction of any public building must be allocated to the Washington State Arts Commission, to be spent for the acquisition of works of art. Monies may also be used by the Washington State Arts Commission for the administration of the visual arts program, and for conservation of the state art collection.

Summary of Bill: No public money may be expended upon the placement of works of art in the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island, secure community transition facilities and other halfway houses operated by the Department of Social and Health Services to house persons subject to the Community Protection Act of 1990, or any facility operated by the Department of Corrections (DOC). Monies allocated for this purpose must instead be deposited in the general fund.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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: At a time when core programs need funding, we should not spend public money for this purpose. Prisons and the Special Commitment Center are the last places where art should be placed. The money allocated can be given to an out-of-state artist.

CON: Art transforms buildings into more effective public spaces. This money also support jobs in the artistic community. Works which are commissioned based on DOC construction projects are placed in the community where the prison is located, not at a correctional facility.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Carrell, prime sponsor.

CON: Kris Tucker, Washington State Arts Commission.