SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1016

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, March 16, 2009

Title: An act relating to changing the membership on the capitol campus design advisory committee.

Brief Description: Changes membership on the capitol campus design advisory committee.

Sponsors: Representative Hunt.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/27/09, 90-4.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/16/09 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; McDermott and Pridemore.

Staff: Edward Redmond (786-7471)

Background: The governance of the capitol campus, and all state facilities in Thurston County, is through the State Capitol Committee (SCC), with day-to-day management provided by the Department of General Administration (GA). The SCC was established by the Legislature in 1921 and replaced the State Capitol Commission created in 1901. The SCC (1) approves construction of all state buildings in Thurston County; (2) approves acquisition of real estate for state government in Thurston County; and (3) carries out other duties as specified by the Legislature. The members of the SCC are the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Secretary of State, and the Commissioner of Public Lands (ex officio).

The Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee (CCDAC) advises the SCC and the GA regarding state capitol facilities and grounds. The CCDAC consists of four legislators, the Secretary of State, two architects, a landscape architect, and an urban planner. Staff resources are provided by the GA. The CCDAC was originally created by executive order in 1984, continued through budget provisos, and enacted into statute in 1990.

Summary of Bill: The membership structure of CCDAC is revised. The mayor of the city of Olympia is included as a member of CCDAC.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Having the mayor on the CCDAC was suggested long before the Isthmus issue came up. I am not sure if the issue of the Isthmus would have been less contentious or if the planning of the capitol campus might have been any different had the mayor served. The fact that the city must provide services to the capitol campus such as infrastructure, access roads, water and other utilities, brings the city into the discussion of long-term planning. Having the mayor serve would be a good idea. The mayor could give insight from the city into the planning process as it relates to size, scope, and traffic.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Mike Ryherd, city of Olympia.