2001 Legislative Session
House State Affairs Committee recommends to the full House that they approve a resolution to retain and add onto the Ada County Courthouse. The full House kills the Resolution.  The Legislative 2001 Session ends before any further action is taken; Legislature anticipates it will take the issue up again in the 2002 Legislative Session.

2002, 2003, 2004 Legislative Sessions
Economic downturn results in Capitol Annex issue being tabled.

2005 Legislative Session
Governor Kempthorne requests that Legislature takes steps to move forward on Capitol Annex so that the Capitol Restoration can also move forward.

Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Legislative Services presents a report to the Senate State Affairs Committee (SSAC) requesting authorization to print two resolutions: one to remodel and add onto the Courthouse; the other to demolish the Courthouse and construct a new building. The SSAC votes unanimously, 8-0, (with Senator Little [D11] absent) to print both resolutions.

Wednesday, January 26, 2005
With only 24 hours notice, the SSAC holds a hearing on SCR 101 (to demolish the Courthouse) and SCR 102 (to remodel and add onto the Courthouse). Approximately 12 people attend the hearing and testified in favor of SCR 102 and against SCR 101. Only Senator Bunderson (D14) speaks in favor of SCR 101 and against SCR 102.

The SSAC takes its first vote on SCR 101.  Senators Burtenshaw (D35), Geddes (D31), McKenzie (D12) and Stegner (D7) vote for it; Senators Darrington (D27), Davis (D33), Little (D11), Malapeai (D30) and Stennet (D25) vote against it.

Senator Stennett (D25) asks for a unanimous vote for SCR 102. The vote is unanimous to send SCR 102 to the Senate floor with a “do pass” recommendation.

Monday, January 31, 2005
The full Senate takes a vote on SCR 102, to preserve the Courthouse, remodel and add onto it.  The Resolution dies with a vote of 16-18.

 Wednesday, February 2, 2005
Senate State Affairs Committee (SSAC) holds a second hearing to address the Courthouse issue.  A motion to approve SCR 101 (to demolish the Courthouse) is again on the table.  Although not required to, Senator Burtenshaw (D35) allows testimony on the matter. Thirty four people sign in with the stated purpose of opposing SCR 101. Many of these people testify, requesting the SSAC not approve SCR 101. No one is in attendance or testifies in favor of SCR 101.

The SSAC approves SCR 101 by a vote of 5-4.  Those voting for:  Senators Davis (33); Burtenshaw (D35); Darrington (27); Geddes (31); and McKenzie   (D12).  Those opposed:  Senators Stennett (D25); Little (D11); Malapeai (D30); Stegner (D7).

At this hearing, Senator Stegner (D7) states that he feels the Legislature should be looking at other and all alternatives.  He suggests the idea of putting additions, or “wings” on the Statehouse to accommodate legislative needs rather than constructing an Annex across the street.  His motion to consider this fails in the SSAC.

Monday, February 7, 2005
The Senate is scheduled to take a vote on SCR 101.  On the floor, Senator Stegner (D7) asks for unanimous approval to place a one-week hold on consideration of the resolution, so that he will have time to further explore other options, including his proposal for additions to the Statehouse.  Lt. Gov. Risch asks Senator Bunderson (D14) if he objects and Senator Bunderson does not.  The motion passes unanimously and a one-week hold is placed on SCR 101.

Monday, February 14, 2005
The Senate is scheduled to debate SCR 101.

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