Michigan Senate votes to block sale of Detroit art
Mich. Senate votes to block sale of Detroit museum's art to help with city's financial crisis
LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- The Michigan Senate has voted to prohibit selling the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection to help with the city's financial crisis.
A bill approved 24-13 Tuesday says Michigan art institutes must adhere to the American Alliance of Museums' code of ethics. The code says museums must sell collections solely to advance their mission. Proceeds can only be used for "acquisition or direct care of collections."
The bill was proposed after Detroit's emergency manager said the DIA's collection could face sale if Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Half the Republicans in the GOP-controlled Senate voted against the legislation. It now goes to the House, whose leader doesn't plan to hold a vote before lawmakers break for the summer.
It's uncertain what effect if any the measure could have on a bankruptcy judge.
