Capital Development Committee votes to introduce CDC bill clarifying procedures and deadlines

The Capital Development Committee voted to introduce a draft bill that would revise several statutory and procedural items affecting the committee and state capital planning.

Megan McCall of the Office of Legislative Legal Services summarized the draft bill to the committee, saying it contains eight sections. McCall described the provisions as clarifying the annual election of the committee chair and vice chair; allowing but not requiring the Transportation Commission to submit requests for State Highway Reconstruction, Repair and Maintenance Projects to be funded from the Capital Construction Fund; updating how two‑year capital projections from institutions of higher education are submitted and reviewed; and changing the treasurer’s reporting deadline on higher education debt from September 1 to March 1 to allow more data to be included.

McCall said section 5 clarifies encumbrance procedures by allowing the committee to grant extensions for agencies to encumber appropriated funds (rather than a one‑time waiver) and sets a November 1 deadline for such requests. Section 6 would change a deadline for the Office of State Planning and Budget (OSPB) to submit certain modifications from January 1 to January 2 so submissions are not required on a holiday. Section 7 would give the committee more flexibility to waive requirements in the Art in Public Places program. Section 8 clarifies that spending authority from supplemental appropriations extends for the remainder of the fiscal year plus two additional fiscal years.

Representative Lindsey and other members discussed whether to add language on timing for appointments to the Capital Development Committee. McCall referenced statute allowing designatees to be named after the general election and before the legislature convenes (the transcript cites a current statutory provision as “02/03/2013 o 2, subsection 1.5”). Members debated possible deadlines (Representative Lindsey suggested December 1) and agreed to continue conversations with leadership; several members said it would be appropriate to add a clarifying deadline by amendment if leadership concurs.

Senator Malika moved to introduce the CDC bill as drafted; the committee polled and approved the motion on a 6‑0 vote. After the vote McCall asked for permission to make technical, non‑substantive corrections before introduction and to identify prime sponsors and starting chamber; members indicated consent for technical edits and provided sponsor names and preferences. McCall said the bill paper could be prepared as soon as the following day or early the next week, pending delayed bill permission from leadership.

Why it matters: The draft would alter timelines and processes the committee relies on for capital project prioritization, encumbrance of appropriations, reporting deadlines, and the Art in Public Places program. Several changes are procedural (deadlines and clarifications) while others affect how project submittals are accepted and reviewed.

Action details: The committee recorded a motion to introduce the bill and approved it 6‑0; members identified prime and co‑sponsors and gave staff permission to make non‑substantive technical edits prior to introduction.