The resolution directs the Legislative Management to explore the possibility of utilizing dedicated funds from the Capitol building fund to construct a legislative office building. Established at statehood, the Capitol building fund was originally intended for financing public buildings for legislative, executive, and judicial use. Over the years, the fund has been appropriated for various purposes, including the maintenance of the Governor's residence, despite its original intent. The resolution highlights the inadequacies of current legislative meeting rooms, the need for improved parking facilities, and the absence of dedicated workspace for legislators, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues as the Capitol approaches its 100th anniversary.
The proposed study aims to assess the feasibility of building a legislative office building that would not only provide modern committee rooms and office spaces but also allow executive branch agencies currently leasing off-site to relocate to the Capitol grounds, thereby saving costs and enhancing public access. The resolution calls for the Legislative Management to report its findings and any necessary legislation to the Seventieth Legislative Assembly, ensuring that future legislators are equipped with the resources needed to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities effectively.