US News
California lawmakers pass bill to clarify spending rules for $1 billion school arts fund
AB 2440 heads to Governor Gavin Newsom following a compromise over rules intended to supplement rather than replace existing arts programs.
The short version
- The California Legislature unanimously passed AB 2440, sending legislation to Gov. Gavin Newsom to clarify rules for Proposition 28's annual $1 billion arts education budget.
- Dozens of school districts had previously returned funds due to confusion and fear of litigation over requirements to supplement rather than supplant existing arts spending.
- The measure allows districts to pool funds, share teachers, and clarify curriculum definitions, while requiring local agencies to certify compliance.
- The bill awaits action from Gov. Newsom, while schools continue to navigate a statewide shortage of qualified arts instructors.
Key facts
- The California Legislature unanimously passed AB 2440, authored by Democratic Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, sending the measure to Gov. Gavin Newsom.[Associated Press]
- Proposition 28, approved by voters in 2022, allocates roughly $1 billion annually for K-12 arts education but requires funds to supplement rather than replace existing budgets.[Associated Press]
- Dozens of school districts returned arts funding to the state because of confusion and concerns over legal liability regarding compliance.[Associated Press]
- AB 2440 permits schools to pool funds, share arts teachers, align definitions with the state arts framework, and clarify the treatment of external funding like nonprofit donations.[Associated Press]
- Proposition 28 architect Austin Beutner dropped his opposition to the bill after an amendment added language requiring local education agencies to certify that all initiative provisions are implemented.[Associated Press]
- A Stanford Research Institute study estimated a shortage of 5,000 arts instructors across California.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- It remains to be seen whether Gov. Gavin Newsom will sign or veto AB 2440.[Associated Press]
- Austin Beutner's 2025 lawsuit alleging Los Angeles Unified improperly replaced existing arts funding with Proposition 28 money remains pending in Los Angeles Superior Court, with the district denying the claims.[Associated Press]