BILL ANALYSIS
AB 2610
Page 1
Date of Hearing: April 28, 2010
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Felipe Fuentes, Chair
AB 2610 (Niello) - As Introduced: February 19, 2010
Policy Committee: Arts Vote:6-0
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
No Reimbursable:
SUMMARY
This bill removes the governor's authority to appoint the
director and two deputies for the California Arts Council (CAC)
and instead requires the council to select a director, who would
be responsible for hiring council staff, including deputy
directors.
FISCAL EFFECT
Negligible fiscal impact.
COMMENTS
1)Background . The California Arts Council was established in
1975, replacing the then existing 15-member California Arts
Commission, which had been in operation since 1963. The CAC
is a headquartered in Sacramento, and its 11 members are
appointed by the governor (9) and the Legislature (2). In the
current fiscal year, the council has 18 staff positions and
its budget totals $6 million-$1.1 million from the General
Fund and the balance from federal and state special funds.
According to its webpage, "The mission of the California Arts
Council is to advance California through the arts and
creativity. The agency encourages widespread public
participation in the arts; helps build strong arts
organizations at the local level; assists with the
professional development of arts leaders; promotes awareness
of the value of the arts; and directly support arts program
for children and communities?"
2)Purpose . According to the author, among state arts councils
AB 2610
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in the U.S., only California, Virginia and Georgia have
directors appointed solely by the governor, and not in concert
with their Council Member. Having the Council select the
Director strengthens the council/staff working relationship.
Rapid turnover at the head of such a small agency can prove
disruptive and lessen the Arts Council's efficiency. This
small change in the hiring process will provide the staff with
the possibility of more longevity and continuity in
leadership.
This bill is sponsored by the CAC.
Analysis Prepared by : Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081