Authorization bill FY96-98, Nat'l. Endowment for the Humanities

Arts, Humanities, and Museum Services Amendments of 1995 - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 (NFAHA) and the Museum Services Act to revise and reauthorize programs under them. Repeals NFAHA as of October 1, 1998.

(Sec. 2) Declares that the encouragement and support of national progress and scholarship in the arts and the humanities is primarily a matter for private and local initiative.

(Sec. 3) Revises NFAHA provisions for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to modify NEA authority. Eliminates a program of contracts, grants, or loans to artistic groups and individuals for certain projects and productions, with particular regard for traditionally underrepresented ones.

(Sec. 4) Revises NFAHA provisions relating to the National Council on the Arts.

(Sec. 5) Revises NFAHA provisions for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NHA) to modify NHA authority. Eliminates certain humanities assistance programs, including ones with regard to traditionally underrepresented scholars and institutions. Eliminates certain annual awards programs.

(Sec. 6) Revises NFAHA provisions relating to the National Council on the Humanities. Declares that the NEH Chairperson has final authority to approve each application for financial assistance.

(Sec. 7) Revises NFAHA administrative provisions. Prohibits panels from recommending approval of applications for assistance for artistic projects or productions determined to be obscene.

(Sec. 8) Extends through FY 1998 the authorization of appropriations to carry out NFAHA, including funds for: (1) certain program grants and other assistance by the NEA and the NEH; (2) matching non-Federal funds received; and (3) administration of NEA and NEH programs. Sets limitations on total appropriations authorized for the NEA and the NEH.

(Sec. 9) Amends the Museum Services Act (MSA) to extend through FY 1998 the authorization of appropriations, including funds for: (1) grants to museums to increase and improve services; and (2) functions of the Institute of Museum Services (which is within the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities).

(Sec. 10) Revises NFAHA provisions for the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities to provide that one such Council member shall be designated by the Secretary of State (rather than by the Director of the U.S. Information Agency).

Repeals MSA provisions for assessment of needs of small, emerging, minority, and rural museums.

(Sec. 11) Repeals NFAHA as of October 1, 1998.

(Sec. 12) Makes conforming amendments to various Federal laws to reflect the repeal of NFAHA.