California bill clarifies $1 billion arts funding to boost school programs

AB 2440, championed by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, seeks to tighten the rules for spending the $1 billion annual arts budget created by Proposition 28, which voters approved in 2022. The bill clarifies that Prop. 28 funds must supplement, not replace, existing arts programs, provides a precise definition of an arts class, and permits districts to combine resources and share teachers. It also resolves ambiguity about whether external contributions count toward a district’s existing arts budget.

The measure addresses the hesitation of many districts, including Los Angeles Unified, which returned its money amid fears of legal challenges; the district is currently sued by Austin Beutner over alleged misuse of funds. Initially opposed by Beutner, who argued the bill would weaken Prop. 28’s intent, he withdrew his objection after the bill added a certification clause confirming compliance at each school. The legislation passed unanimously in the legislature and is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval, with advocates like Kyle Holmes saying it will expand arts access for students, though a shortage of roughly 5,000 arts teachers remains a hurdle.