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House panel reviews long-range legislative branch capital plan; sponsor says it is nonbinding guidance
Summary
Sen. Sue Vinton told the House Legislative Administration Committee that a long-range capital development plan, developed after HB 856, identifies space needs and priorities for the Capitol; staff said the study cost roughly $540,000 and the broader appropriation tied to HB 856 was $12.5 million.
Sen. Sue Vinton presented a long-range legislative branch capital development plan to the House Legislative Administration Committee, saying the plan outlines possible space needs for the Capitol and offers nonbinding recommendations for future legislatures.
"There is no appropriation in this resolution. This is simply a plan that offers nonbinding options and recommendations for the legislature to provide space needed for the legislative process to work effectively and most importantly to enhance public participation," Vinton said during her opening remarks.
Vinton said the plan was developed after House Bill 856 directed the Legislative Council, with consultation from the Legislative Finance Committee and Legislative Audit Committee, to create a long-range capital plan. The working group included an independent architectural consulting firm, legislators, legislative staff, the chief clerk of the House, the secretary of the Senate, the State Architecture and Engineering Division, and executive-branch representatives from the Department of Administration and general services.
Randy Stevens, planning manager for the State A&E Division, and Russ Katherman of the A&E Division answered technical questions about the plan. Katherman told the committee the appropriation for the broader improvements came from House Bill 856 and that the overall package was $12.5 million; he estimated the space study itself cost "about 540 K." He offered to provide the exact number to the committee.
Rep. Perry asked whether the plan considered buying nearby properties for future expansion; Vinton said the plan did not specifically recommend acquisitions but noted the legislature has used other state buildings for legislative functions and is planning to reconfigure space on the first floor to increase committee room capacity.
Vinton closed by reiterating the plan's advisory role and urging the committee to concur. The chair closed the SJ 6 hearing.
