SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1991-8661

By Senators L. Kreidler and Nelson

     WHEREAS, Standing proudly above Budd Inlet, the Capitol serves as the birthplace of our laws as well as a symbol of freedom for the citizens of this great state; and

     WHEREAS, The Capitol's handsome rotunda, with its attractive chandelier and bronze replica of the seal of the State of Washington, frequently serves as a setting for public exhibits and ceremonies; and

     WHEREAS, All such public exhibits and ceremonies must be open to all citizens, including those for whom traversing the elegant marble steps to the floor of the rotunda is physically difficult; and

     WHEREAS, The Capitol's elevators provide access to the third-floor area that overlooks the rotunda but do not provide direct access to the floor of the rotunda itself, where many of the exhibits and ceremonies are held; and

     WHEREAS, Many citizens have been injured while attempting to walk the steps to the floor of the rotunda; and

     WHEREAS, Many additional citizens will be injured if no handrails are installed along the steps from the first and third floors of the Capitol to the floor of its rotunda; and

     WHEREAS, The Department of General Administration has the onus of maintaining and improving the Capitol and is capable of ensuring that handrails of beauty as well as function are so installed;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate hereby requests the Washington State Department of General Administration to effect the design and installation of handrails on the steps leading to the floor of the rotunda, which handrails at once increase public accessibility and complement the beauty and decor of the Capitol; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Senate immediately transmit copies of this resolution to the Director of the Washington State Department of General Administration.