Bill > SB41

This bill, concerning commissioned public art in Maryland, aims to protect artists' rights and establish a registration process for public artworks. It defines "State Public Art" as art commissioned for projects receiving state funding, regardless of whether the state funds directly paid for the artwork itself. A key provision prohibits contracts for State Public Art from requiring artists to give up their copyright protections or specific rights under federal law (17 U.S.C. § 106A, which deals with artists' moral rights like attribution and integrity of their work), although artists can voluntarily waive these rights in writing. Furthermore, any entity commissioning State Public Art must register the artwork with the Maryland State Arts Council, providing details such as the artist's name and contact information, the art's location, type, title, and installation or creation date. This act is intended to apply only to contracts entered into after its effective date of October 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0041?ys=2026RS