House Bill 393 appropriates $250,000 in nonrecurring General Fund dollars for fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Office of State Budget and Management for a directed grant to The Arts Council, Inc. The grant is intended to support the annual 1Love Festival in Winston-Salem, described in the bill as a three-day event focused on celebrating diversity, fostering unity, and providing a platform for cultural expression through music, arts, and entertainment.
The bill is a targeted arts and cultural funding measure rather than a broad policy change. It would create a one-time state appropriation for a specific nonprofit recipient and event, with the funds administered through OSBM. The act would become effective July 1, 2025, and would not amend regulatory statutes or establish an ongoing program beyond this single directed grant.
HB393 would affect state spending by adding a $250,000 nonrecurring appropriation from the General Fund for a specific cultural event in Winston-Salem. It directs the funds to the Office of State Budget and Management for a grant to The Arts Council, Inc., thereby using state budget authority to support a named nonprofit and festival. The bill does not appear to change substantive state law or create new regulatory requirements; its legal effect is limited to the appropriation and administration of the grant.
Based on the bill text and the absence of committee debate or recorded votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears neutral to supportive in concept, as the measure is framed around arts funding, community celebration, and cultural expression. Because no transcripts or vote history are included, there is no documented opposition or endorsement beyond the sponsorship and referral stage.
The main potential point of contention is the use of state General Fund dollars for a single, named festival and nonprofit rather than for a broader statewide arts program. Critics of directed grants may question whether the appropriation is an appropriate use of public funds, whether it sets a precedent for earmarked cultural spending, or whether the benefit is sufficiently public and statewide. Supporters would likely emphasize the festival’s community, diversity, and economic or cultural value to Winston-Salem and the surrounding region.