New Legislation Could Boost Arts Education Funding in California Schools

Legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom seeks to increase funding for arts education in California schools, but legal challenges remain unresolved. The new law, Assembly Bill 2440, aims to help schools effectively use arts funding from Proposition 28, initiated by voters in November 2022.

Objective of Assembly Bill 2440

Proposition 28 designated 1% of the state’s base education funding, almost $1 billion annually, for arts education to enhance programs statewide. However, local officials have hesitated to spend millions, fearing rule violations and potential financial penalties. Al Muratsuchi, the bill’s author, aims to provide statewide guidance for compliance to alleviate these concerns.

The bill received support from arts organizations, educators, and school officials, including backing from the California Teachers Association. Despite wide legislative support, no opposition was recorded, and no opposing votes appeared during its passage. Concerns were later raised by Austin Beutner, Proposition 28’s author.

Concerns Over Legislation

Austin Beutner argued the legislation undermines key guarantees, such as equal distribution of arts funding to all schools and enhanced funding for low-income communities. He warned that districts might replace current arts funding with the new allocation, negating benefits intended by Proposition 28.

Beutner, joined by opposition including United Teachers Los Angeles, began rallying against the bill, noting its potential negative impact on student arts programs. He even considered legal action against the measure. In response, a compromise was reached.

Legislation Compromise and Clarifications

The revised bill allows small schools or districts to pool resources for shared arts educators, ensuring each school benefits from arts instruction. Legal protections were also added for districts facing funding decreases due to factors like grant expirations. Beutner approved these adjustments.

LAUSD Lawsuit Ongoing

A lawsuit filed by Beutner in February 2025 accuses L.A. Unified School District of misusing the funding. He claims the district replaced existing arts funding sources with Proposition 28 money, violating the law. The lawsuit specifies misuse at 37 elementary schools from 2022-23 to 2023-24.

In response, L.A. Unified quietly increased the elementary arts budget by $30 million for the 2024-25 school year amid these allegations. The district maintains it complies with state guidance, defending its implementation of Proposition 28.