BILL ANALYSIS
Bill No: AB
2610
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION
Senator Roderick D. Wright, Chair
2009-2010 Regular Session
Staff Analysis
AB 2610 Author: Niello
As Introduced: February 19, 2010
Hearing Date: June 9, 2010
Consultant: Chris Lindstrom
SUBJECT
Arts Council: officers and employees.
DESCRIPTION
AB 2610 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.
EXISTING LAW
Existing law provides that the Governor shall appoint a
director and two deputies for the CAC who shall serve at
the pleasure of the Governor.
Existing law allows the CAC to delegate to the director the
responsibilities for carrying out its policy.
Existing law further provides that the director shall
assist the CAC in the carrying out of its work, be
responsible for the management and administration of the
staff, and perform other duties as directed.
BACKGROUND
Purpose of the bill . According to the author's office,
"Most state arts councils in the U.S. select their
AB 2610 (Niello) continued
Page 2
Directors; only three - California, Virginia and Georgia -
have Directors who are appointed solely by the Governor,
not in concert with their Council Members. Members of
California's Arts Council would like to have the ability to
select the Arts Council Director, a protocol that is
working successfully across the nation. Nine of
California's 11 Council Members are appointed by the
Governor, one by the Senate, and one by the Assembly, so a
connection between the Governor, the Legislature and the
Council is assured. 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 alteration in the hiring process will provide the
staff with the possibility of more longevity and continuity
in the Director's leadership."
Background on CAC : The CAC is a state agency headquartered
in Sacramento. Its eleven council members are appointed by
the Governor and the state Legislature . The California
Arts Council was established in 1975, replacing the then
existing 15-member California Arts Commission, which had
been in operation since 1963.
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.
"The California Arts Council encourages widespread public
participation in and appreciation of the arts and creative
endeavors. The agency helps build strong arts
organizations at the local and statewide level, directly
supports arts programs for all citizens, assists with the
professional development of arts leaders, supports arts
education in schools in all areas of the state, and
promotes awareness of the value of the arts. The agency
does this by administering a number of competitive grant
programs and special initiatives, collecting and
disseminating information, and assisting organizations and
individuals."
AB 2610 (Niello) continued
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PRIOR/RELATED LEGISLATION
SB 958 (Fletcher and Burns), Chapter 134, Statutes of 1943 .
Established the Government Code.
SB 1024 (Zenovich), Chapter 1192, Statutes of 1975 .
Repeals the law establishing the California Arts
Commission. Recasts the law creating and specifying the
authority of the California Arts Council.
SUPPORT: As of June 4, 2010:
California Arts Council (Sponsor)
OPPOSE: None on file as of June 4, 2010)
FISCAL COMMITTEE: Senate Appropriations Committee
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