Sacramento – After months of dedicated advocacy, hard work and commitment from the legislature, today, Senate Bill 456 (Ashby) was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.  The new law supports muralists in California by removing barriers to their creative work.

“We applaud Governor Newsom for taking action on this legislation and thank Senator Ashby for her dedication to our arts community as we collectively found a path forward to decades old regulations that were hindering people’s jobs and livelihood,” said California Arts Advocates, CEO, Julie Baker.  “We’re now able to keep our artists working, making California an even more vibrant and beautiful place to live.”

The legislation was co-sponsored by the California Arts Advocates and the League of California Cities. It passed through the legislature with bipartisan support showing the strong statewide commitment to arts in California.

“Senate Bill 456 clarifies that muralists can continue to share their artistic expressions throughout our communities by allowing them to continue to be commissioned for their art,” said Senator Ashby. “Murals are powerful tools for transforming neighborhoods - they are placemaking and defining in many cities throughout the state, but especially in Sacramento.”

"We are pleased the Governor signed SB 456, much-needed legislation that will make it easier for cities to commission local artists and uplift their communities," said Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. "Murals and public art installations improve public health, drive economic development, and expand community access to arts and culture. Cal Cities is proud to co-sponsor this important legislation."  

Prior to today’s action, existing law made it a misdemeanor for a person to engage in the business, or act in the capacity of a contractor without a license unless exempted, creating added hurdles and financial constraints for artists statewide.  The new law removes these unnecessary barriers to artists’ work.

The new law takes effect January 1, 2026.

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For more information, please contact:  Julie Baker, CEO, CA Arts Advocates | julie@caartsadvocates.org | 916-296-1838

About CA Arts Advocates

CA Arts Advocates (CAA) is a comprehensive lobbying organization for the arts, culture and creative industries, working to influence equitable and just systems change through public policy and public investment.

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