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AB 159

Relating to: creating a rural creative economy development grant program. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Clint Anderson and 20 co-sponsors

AB 159 - Rural Creative Economy Development Grant Program OverviewBill Number: AB 159 Title: Relating to: creating a rural creative economy development grant program. (FE) Status

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · AB 159

AB 159 - Rural Creative Economy Development Grant Program

Overview

Bill Number: AB 159
Title: Relating to: creating a rural creative economy development grant program. (FE)
Status: Representative Emerson added as a coauthor
Introduced: January 08, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of AB 159 is to establish a grant program that supports the development of rural creative economies across the state. The bill recognizes the economic and cultural value that creative industries can bring to rural communities, and seeks to provide targeted funding and resources to help these areas thrive.

Key Provisions

  • Creates the "Rural Creative Economy Development Grant Program" to be administered by the Department of Commerce
  • Provides $20 million in annual funding for the grant program, to be allocated through a competitive application process
  • Eligible projects include those that:
    • Support the growth of creative businesses, arts organizations, and cultural institutions in rural areas
    • Develop creative workforce training and entrepreneurship programs
    • Invest in creative placemaking initiatives that revitalize downtowns and public spaces
    • Promote rural tourism and creative industry clusters
  • Requires grant recipients to provide matching funds of at least 25% of the total project cost
  • Directs the Department of Commerce to establish program guidelines, application criteria, and reporting requirements

Affected Parties and Impacts

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation would be rural communities and creative economy stakeholders, including:
- Small businesses and entrepreneurs in creative industries (e.g. arts, crafts, design, media, etc.)
- Non-profit arts and cultural organizations
- Local governments and economic development agencies
- Educational institutions providing creative workforce training

By providing grant funding, the program aims to spur investment, job creation, and economic diversification in rural areas that have historically struggled with outmigration and economic decline.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

AB 159 was introduced in the state legislature on January 8, 2025 and has been referred to the Committee on Rural Economic Development. If passed, the grant program would be established by July 1, 2025 and the first round of funding would be awarded by October 1, 2025. The Department of Commerce would be required to submit annual reports to the legislature on the program's implementation and outcomes.

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

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