REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF CREATING AN OFFICE OF THE STATE ARCHITECT.

This bill requests the Department of Accounting and General Services to study the costs and benefits of creating an Office of the State Architect within the state government. The proposed office would be led by a full-time State Architect responsible for reviewing all state construction projects for compliance with building codes and construction standards. The study will examine whether a centralized design review authority would streamline the approval process, improve safety, and ensure consistency across projects. Key areas of analysis include staffing needs, fees for design review services, and the specific duties the State Architect would perform, such as reviewing plans and issuing approvals for traditional design-bid-build projects. The Department must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session.