HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 HCR 4410

                    As Passed Legislature

Brief Description:  Creating a commission on legislative building renovation.

Sponsors:  Representatives Mitchell, Murray, Esser, Edmonds, Alexander, Lambert, Stensen and Bush.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Capital Budget:  4/14/99, 4/21/99 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House:  4/23/99, Adopted.

Passed Senate:  4/25/99, 49-0.

Passed Legislature.

              Brief Summary of Resolution

$Establishes a Commission on Legislative Building Renovation and Preservation to identify a plan and resources for the renovation and preservation of the state Legislative Building.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CAPITAL BUDGET

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 15 members:  Representatives Mitchell, Republican Co-Chair; Murray, Democratic Co-Chair; Edmonds, Democratic Vice Chair; Esser, Republican Vice Chair; Alexander; Barlean; Bush; Dunshee; Hankins; Koster; Lantz; Miloscia; O'Brien; Ogden and Schoesler.

Staff:  Susan Howson (786-7142).

Background:

The Washington State Legislative Building was built in the years 1924-27.  It is an outstanding example of the imperial classic tradition in architectural history and is one of the largest, and among the last, of these traditional monumental structures to be built in the world.

The Legislative Building is used daily by visitors from all over the world and by the public servants in the state's legislative and executive branches of government.  When its doors first opened, the building housed approximately 150 people.  Today, during the peak activity of legislative session, its population includes 152 legislators and elected officials, as well as more than 400 staff. 

While the Legislative Building stands as a working symbol of the aspirations and strength of the Washingtonians who built it, the building nevertheless experiences mechanical and electrical systems failures and exterior deterioration.

Summary of Bill:

A Commission on Legislative Building Preservation and Renovation is established to identify a plan and resources for the renovation and preservation of the state Legislative Building.  The commission has 14 members including statewide elected officials and five ex officio citizens representing the entire state.

The commission must report to the Legislature in the 2000 legislative session.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  The Legislative Building has become the revered government symbol of Washington and is treasured by the citizens of this state.  On the surface, the Legislative Building presents a very remarkable face, but underneath there are maintenance, safety, and operating problems stemming from increasing demands on space and infrastructure, changes in building codes, and changing technical needs in building systems.  The commission should encourage citizen involvement in the renovation and preservation of the Legislative Building.  Thousands of students, families, international visitors and community groups visit the capitol campus each year to learn about government.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Brad Owen, Lieutenant Governor; Ralph Munro, Secretary of State; Mike Murphy, State Treasurer; Marsha Tadano Long, Department of General Administration; Norman Johnston, citizen; and Leavitt White, citizen.