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

A legislative compromise in California has cleared the way for a new bill regarding the state's annual $1 billion investment in arts education to reach Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. The legislation is designed to clarify spending guidelines for schools, which have been holding onto the allocated arts funding rather than utilizing it.

The measure follows negotiations between state lawmakers and a primary proponent of the original arts education initiative. The agreement aims to resolve ambiguities in how the funds can be deployed, potentially accelerating the distribution and use of the financial resources in school districts across the state.