Museums: California Museums for All.

Existing law, the California Cultural and Historical Endowment Act, establishes the California Cultural and Historical Endowment in the Natural Resources Agency. Among other things, the act authorizes the endowment to make grants and loans on a competitive basis to public agencies and nonprofit organizations, as defined, to encourage development of California's historical and cultural resources. Existing law establishes the Museum and Cultural Resources Program, under the administration of the endowment, to assist and enhance the services of California's museums and of other groups and institutions that undertake cultural projects that are deeply rooted in and reflective of previously underserved communities. This bill would establish the California Museums for All program, under the administration of the endowment. The bill would require a museum, as defined, participating in the program to offer free to $3 admission fees during its normal hours of operation for each person who presents an electronic benefits transfer card and a current and valid photo identification, and up to 3 guests who are accompanying that person. Under the bill, a participating museum would be eligible to receive a grant from the endowment to enhance its programs and exhibits to meet the needs of underserved communities or to provide its staff with adequate training and provide resources for collaborative outreach to low-income communities.