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Senate advances fee changes to make Capitol rooms free for short public use; $30,000 fiscal impact noted
Summary
Senators approved Senate Bill 33 to reduce short-term rental fees for Capitol rooms — including free short visits — to boost public access; sponsors said the change will cost roughly $30,000 but hoped to recoup revenue year-round. The bill moves to the House.
Senators voted to advance Senate Bill 33, a measure altering the State Capital Preservation Board’s fee schedule to allow free short-term use of Capitol rooms during the legislative session and reduce barriers for volunteer groups and school visits.
Senator Madsen, the bill’s sponsor, told the Senate the change is intended to keep the Capitol “available for the public to use during the legislative session” while preventing groups from permanently setting up offices in Capitol meeting rooms. "I will mention there's a fiscal note on this. They have calculated that this would be a $30,000 loss to the Capital Preservation Board based on the fees that were charged last year," Madsen said during the floor presentation.
The bill’s sponsor said the free short-term access (typically a couple of hours) applies to groups such as the Women’s League, Boy Scouts and school groups; longer uses would remain subject to fees. Madsen and supporters said they adjusted other fees through the remainder of the year to try to offset the projected $30,000 decrease in revenue.
Under suspension of the rules, the Senate moved to read SB 33 for the second and third times and passed it by roll call. The clerk reported, "Senate bill 33, having received 28 yay votes, 0 nay votes, 1 being absent, passes" and said the bill would be referred to the House for further action.
The measure will next be considered by the House of Representatives; sponsors noted the $30,000 figure is the fiscal-office estimate and that fee adjustments elsewhere are intended to reduce net impact.
