OLYMPIA…Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, today introduced Senate Bill 5795, which prohibits placement of art bought with public funds at the new special commitment center for sexually violent predators at McNeil Island.  

State law currently requires that one-half of 1 percent of the funds for all new state construction projects must be spent by the Washington State Arts Commission (WSAC) to purchase and place public art.

“It’s inappropriate to tell taxpayers that we are spending money on art at a home for sexually violent predators when the Legislature has schools telling us they need more money, and other essential programs and services for our elderly, disabled and children are struggling to make ends meet,” Carrell said.  “Taxpayer dollars are not limitless and the Legislature must treat them as such by prioritizing our spending.”

 More than 211 of the state’s sex offenders who have completed their sentences are considered by state superior courts to be sexually violent predators.  These predators are civilly committed for treatment and are housed at the special commitment center at McNeil Island. 

Carrell’s bill has been referred to the Senate Government Operations and Elections Committee for consideration. 

For more information about WSAC’s Art in Public Places program, visit:  www.arts.wa.gov and click on the Art in Public Places link in the left column. 

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For more information contact Tami Davis (360) 786-7519 or davis.tami@leg.wa.gov