California schools are sitting on arts money. A change in law might get them to spend it

A California bill aimed at clarifying how schools should spend $1 billion in annual arts education funding is expected to become law. AB 2440, sponsored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, is set to reach Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk after legislators reached a compromise with Proposition 28 champion Austin Beutner. The bill seeks to streamline and clarify Prop.

28 rules, which require schools to use arts funding to supplement existing programs rather than replace them. Schools have been returning arts money to the state due to confusion over Prop. 28 guidelines, as seen in Los Angeles Unified, where a lawsuit was filed. AB 2440 aims to align Prop. 28 more closely with the state’s arts framework, provide an exact definition of arts classes, allow pooling of Prop.

28 funds, and clarify the use of external arts funding. Beutner initially opposed the bill but withdrew his opposition after reaching a compromise, hoping it will encourage districts to comply with Prop. 28. However, finding enough arts teachers remains a challenge, with a shortfall of 5,000 in California.