California Music Festival Preservation Grant Program.

Senator Ashby's proposal to establish the California Music Festival Preservation Grant Program would create a $20 million fund to support independent live music event promoters through the state's Office of Small Business Advocate. The program aims to maintain public access to live music events across California by providing financial assistance to qualifying promoters and festival organizers.

Under the proposed framework, eligible grant recipients must demonstrate that at least 70 percent of their revenue comes from event-related sources such as ticket sales, production fees, or concessions. Qualifying organizations include both for-profit entities - such as sole proprietorships, corporations, and partnerships - and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. To receive funding, promoters must organize events that charge admission and compensate performing artists.

The Office of Small Business Advocate, operating within the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, would oversee the grant program's administration. The legislation authorizes the office to distribute the $20 million allocation across multiple funding rounds, subject to legislative appropriation. While the bill establishes the program's basic structure and eligibility requirements, specific details regarding application processes and distribution mechanisms would be determined during implementation.