Introduced Version





SENATE RESOLUTION No. ___




DIGEST OF INTRODUCED RESOLUTION


    A SENATE RESOLUTION urging the Legislative Council to establish an interim study committee to examine the apportionment of State House office space to nongovernmental entities.



WHEELER




     , read first time and referred to Committee on





                                        




Introduced

Second Regular Session 112th General Assembly (2002)


SENATE RESOLUTION


     MR. PRESIDENT:

        I offer the following resolution and move its adoption:

    A SENATE RESOLUTION urging the Legislative Council to establish an interim study committee to examine the apportionment of State House office space to nongovernmental entities.

    Whereas, Indiana's state capital building, completed in October 1888, currently houses all three branches of state government as well as offices for each statewide constitutional officer;

    Whereas, throughout the building's nearly 114 year life, many offices have been forced to relocate outside the building due to the growth of government services and the consequent premium placed upon office space in the State House;

    Whereas, despite being grand in scale, the design of the State House makes it difficult to adequately house 150 members of the General Assembly and their respective legislative staffs;

    Whereas, the "office" of the vast majority of legislators consists of a small cubicle surrounded by other legislators, offering no privacy for meetings with constituents or others whom the legislators must receive;


    Whereas, on the ground floor of the State House considerable office space is currently provided, at no cost to the occupants, to various for-profit, nongovernmental organizations;

    Whereas, downtown Indianapolis is replete with office space for these nongovernmental organizations, well within walking distance of the State House;

    Whereas, in addition to the issue of office space, there is a critical need for more handicapped parking space near and around the State House, for state employees as well as visitors: Therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate of the

General Assembly of the State of Indiana:


    SECTION 1. That the Legislative Council is urged to establish an interim study committee to examine the following:
        (1) the apportionment of State House office space to         nongovernmental entities;
        (2) the need for additional handicapped parking space in and         around the State House; and
        (3) the specific proposals set out in ESB 11.
    SECTION 2. That the committee, if established, shall operate under the direction of the Legislative Council and shall issue a final report when directed by the Legislative Council.
    SECTION 3. That the committee, if established, make legislative recommendations based on its review and analysis, if appropriate.