The State and Local Government Committee voted 6-0 to recommend a study on using funds in the Capital Building Fund to build a legislative office building and structured parking on the Capitol grounds.

Senator Tim Mathern, sponsor, told the committee the request is for a study only — not an appropriation — and argued the building would improve public access to committee rooms, provide weather-protected parking for legislators and citizens, and create a clearer physical presence for the legislative branch. Mathern said roughly $5 million currently remains in the Capital Building Fund, but acknowledged that a full project, including underground parking, could cost many times that amount. "Parking alone is probably going to be $5,000,000," Mathern said.

Committee members discussed potential optics and fiscal priorities; some members expressed concern about public perception of a large Capitol-area construction project while other statewide capital needs compete for funds. Proponents said the study will produce cost estimates and options and examine whether bringing state employees back to campus could reduce lease costs.

The committee recommended the study to legislative management (do-pass 6-0) and assigned a carrier to the floor.

Ending: Legislative Management will consider whether to commission architectural estimates and a feasibility study; if pursued, a future session would decide appropriations and design options.