The House got into an extended debate today over SB 1399, the appropriation bill for the Permanent Building Fund, because it includes the next, $1.5 million stage of improvements to the Capitol Annex, the now-vacant old Ada County Courthouse across from the state Capitol. Rep. Dick Harwood, R-St. Maries, objected that a sign posted outside the annex identifies it as the future home of a University of Idaho law learning center. He said he felt the budget bill was “a back door around this body here … to kinda have a yes or no vote on it, what we're going to do with that building.” He expressed fear that the University of Idaho's law school would be moved to Boise and occupy the building, and said he felt that was counter to the state's founding fathers' idea of locating universities in different areas of the state.

“Everything's going to be here in Boise,” Harwood said, “and what's the reason for going into the rural parts of the state? I'm bothered by this.”

Members of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee said there's been no decision made on the future use of the building; but there has been a decision to shore up the structure with a phased, multi-year $6 million total investment that will keep it suitable for any use. Rep. Max Black, R-Boise, said he said he checked with UI, and, “As I understand … there's absolutely no intent of the University of Idaho moving the law school to Boise.”

Rep. Dennis Lake, R-Blackfoot, said, “The building as it is now is essentially unusable.” He reminded the House of what it was like when the Legislature occupied it for two sessions. “Recall … little teeny tiny odd-shaped rooms,” he said. “I can only tell you that we made a wise decision about three years ago to spend about $6 million over time to make the building so that it's functional.” The bill already passed the Senate on a unanimous, 35-0 vote; the House passed it on a 48-18 vote, and it now heads to Gov. Butch Otter's desk.