SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5375

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 28, 2019

Title: An act relating to making the public art capital budget language permanent for efficiency.

Brief Description: Making the public art capital budget language permanent for efficiency.

Sponsors: Senators Wellman, Hawkins, Wilson, C., Pedersen, Salomon, Saldaña, Hasegawa, Hunt and Zeiger; by request of Arts Commission.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 1/29/19.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes higher education institutions and state agencies to use 10 percent of an art allocation during the design phase of a construction project.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff: Richard Ramsey (786-7412)

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 acquiring 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 pay for program administration costs, which currently includes up to $100,000 for the conservation and maintenance of the state art collection.

Summary of Bill: Authorizes higher education institutions and state agencies to use 10 percent of an art allocation during the design phase of a construction project. This was authorized in the 2015-17 and 2017-19 capital budgets for higher education institutions and in the 2017-19 capital budget for state agencies. The 0.5 percent to be expended by the Washington State Arts Commission must be adjusted downward by the amount expended by the higher education institution or state agency during the design phase of the capital project.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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