Senate committee approves overhaul of Works of Art Special Fund after hours of testimony

The Senate Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts passed House Bill 13‑78 (HD2) with amendments after a lengthy hearing that drew dozens of residents, artists, arts organizations and state officials to the State Capitol.

Committee Chair Lee moved the measure forward and the committee adopted it with amendments; Vice Chair Elefante and Senator Kanuha recorded reservations, and one senator voted no. The committee’s action keeps the bill alive for further consideration while directing follow-up work with finance and legal staff.

The bill would clarify the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and change how revenue from the Works of Art Special Fund (the fund the legislature created to receive a percentage of certain capital project proceeds) can be used. Supporters said the change aims to protect federal funding streams and the long‑term viability of arts programs; opponents warned it would make the fund less secure by moving operating positions and programming toward general‑fund support.

Executive Director Karen Ewald of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts urged the committee to oppose the bill in its current form and instead pursue administrative fixes and an audit. "Move the special fund positions and programs to general fund. But keep the language…