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SB 41

Commissioned Public Art - Artist Rights and Registration of Art

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cheryl Kagan

Maryland bill creates artist registration and rights protections for commissioned public art to address ownership, attribution, and modification disputes between artists and public entities.

Hearing 1/21 at 10:00 a.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 41

Legislative bill overview

SB 41 establishes a registration system for commissioned public art in Maryland and creates legal protections for artists' rights regarding their works. The bill defines the relationship between commissioned artists and public entities, addressing ownership, attribution, and moral rights in publicly displayed artwork.

Why is this important

Public art commissioning often involves disputes over artist compensation, credit attribution, and control over artwork modifications or removal. This bill provides clarity on artist protections and public entity responsibilities, which could serve as a model for other states and improve working conditions for artists in the public sector.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Public entities may face administrative and legal costs in complying with a registration system and artist protection requirements
  • Balance of public interests: Tensions between artist moral rights (preventing modification/destruction) and public entities' interests in maintaining or altering public spaces
  • Scope and definitions: Unclear whether the bill covers all public art or specific categories, and how "commissioned" is defined versus donated works

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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