The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(a) Museums help Californians understand the past, the present, and potential futures. Museums contribute to formal and informal learning at every stage of life, from the education of children in preschool to the continuing education of adults.

(b) Museums are considered a trusted source for information. Museums leverage this high level of public trust to help fight misinformation and promote understanding of critical issues.

(c) Museums are places for respite and support the well-being of Californians. Participation in museum experiences and programs can have measurable and positive impacts on children, seniors, and other vulnerable populations.

(d) Museums are an important means of making art, science, history, and culture available to Californians.

(e) Museums are caretakers and interpreters of the past and present. Providing a safe environment and proper care for collections for the public’s benefit is a responsibility of many museums.

(f) Museums capture, preserve, and share untold stories and prompt important public dialogue through exhibitions and education programs.

(g) Museums provide an economic boost to their communities by attracting tourists and local visitors, all of whom create a demand for services.

(h) Museums often help define the public identity of a community, and serve as a foundation of its cultural identity. A museum has the legacy of its community as the heart of its mission.

(i) Museums are vital partners with schools and teachers in sharing narratives about the state’s diverse racial and ethnic populations and understanding science.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 300, Sec. 1. (SB 963) Effective January 1, 2023.)