17-7-228. Eligible use of funds. (1) The funds in the account established in 17-7-227 may be used to:

(a) develop and implement a strategic capital plan to improve the efficiency and functionality of the legislative space and the legislative process;

(b) plan, renovate, replace, or construct capitol complex facilities for the use of the legislative branch;

(c) increase citizen access to legislators and the legislative process;

(d) locate priority functions and entities to be located within the walls of the capitol;

(e) relocate functions and entities not required to be located within the walls of the capitol;

(f) address deficiencies in legislator and legislative support staff spaces;

(g) improve adjacencies and colocation where functional efficiencies can be gained;

(h) provide flexible spaces for long-term efficiencies, performance, and cost reduction;

(i) improve workforce efficiencies, recruiting, and retention, including telework-friendly design; and

(j) implement telework opportunities.

(2) Priority must be given to projects that improve the legislative process by providing individual office space for legislators, expanding or adding public hearing rooms, or increasing the availability of space for constituent meetings and outreach.

(3) Furniture, fixtures, and equipment associated with the implementation of this section may be paid from these funds.

(4) Operating, administrative, moving, and relocation costs of legislative branch functions moved or relocated in the implementation of this section may be paid from these funds. Renovation or construction costs, including relocation costs, for moving non-legislative branch functions or agencies out of the capitol must be paid from the funds in the account established in 17-7-225.

(5) The legislative branch long-range capital development plan must be updated at a minimum on a decennial basis and prior to undertaking any major capital development exceeding $5 million not included in the current legislative branch long-range capital development plan in effect.

(6) The legislature may transfer from the account established in 17-7-227 to the major repair long-range building program account or the capital developments long-range building program account for legislative branch capital projects within the capitol complex.

(7) The legislative council, with consultation of the legislative finance committee and legislative audit committee, shall serve as a long-range building committee to recommend to the legislature and the department of administration construction and remodeling priorities for the capitol and capitol complex.