(JUNEAU) - The Alaska State House of Representatives approved House Bill 215 by a vote of 33 to one on Friday. Sponsored by Rep. Bill Stoltze (R-Chugiak/Mat-Su), HB 215 amends the one percent for art provision of the Art in Public Places program. It sets aside, for art, one-percent of the first $10 million of construction costs paid for with state funds; for the amount above $10 million, the percentage is reduced to one-half a percent for art. The bill maintains the current percentage for rural areas.

"In an effort to recognize the importance of art, the House worked out a compromise that balances the enjoyment of art in our society and the fiscal constraints the state currently faces," Stoltze said.

Stoltze said HB 215 would also help preserve state owned works of art by setting aside five-percent of the total one-percent for art amount for maintenance or restoration projects. HB 215 has a reporting provision to ensure that the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) receives information on the amount allocated for art, identification of artist, location, etc. This section will enable ASCA to maintain a comprehensive list of works of art owned by the state and mandates that the state monitor and maintain this investment.

HB 215 moved to the Senate, where it was referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees .

# # #