To the extent that funding is available for such purposes, the endowment shall establish a competitive grant program to assist and enhance the services of museums in the state that undertake programs and projects that are deeply rooted in and reflective of underserved communities. This program shall give priority to those programs and projects doing any of the following:

(a) Serving pupils and teachers at schools eligible to be served under Part A of Title I of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.), as amended by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (Public Law 114-95).

(b) Serving children in low-income communities.

(c) Supporting museums in engaging or collaborating with underserved communities, including, but not limited to, people with disabilities and low-income families.

(d) Advancing preservation of at-risk cultural and natural collections and historic buildings. For purposes of this subdivision, “at-risk” refers to the potential for loss or deterioration due to forces, including, but not limited to, fires, harmful temperatures, humidity, earthquakes, improper handling, neglect, theft, vandalism, or exposure to water, pests, contaminants, light, or radiation.

(e) Improving access, including, but not limited to, accommodating the access needs of people with disabilities, to historic buildings, cultural sites, or museums.

(f) Supporting the ethical stewardship of culturally sensitive art and artifacts, including, but not limited to, engaging in consultations with California Indian tribes or repatriation.

(g) Educating the public about critical issues affecting Californians.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 131, Sec. 27. (AB 1754) Effective January 1, 2024.)