The Alabama House has passed a bill takes a step toward authorizing construction of a new State House, an idea that has been talked about for years.

The bill, SB222, gives control of state-owned property that is now a parking lot behind the State House to the Legislative Council, a panel of 20 legislators. It gives the Legislative Council the authority to contract with the Retirement Systems of Alabama or another entity for construction and maintenance of a new State House.

The RSA has requested proposals from architectural firms to design a State House to replace the one now in use. It was built in 1963 for the state Highway Department. The Legislature has used it for meeting chambers and offices since 1985.

The House passed the bill by a vote of 88-9 with three abstentions. It previously passed the Senate and returns there because of changes made by the House. The Senate could agree with those changes and give the bill final approval. That send it to Gov. Kay Ivey, who could sign it into law.

Lawmakers have cited a number of reasons to replace the State House, saying the building was not designed for its current use. A facility assessment conducted by an engineering firm in March 2020 found that the eight-story, 315,000 square foot building needed $51 million in repairs, renovations and replacements over 10 years. Officials have cited the limited space for public access, poor accessibility for people with disabilities, and the flooding and mold problems. Last September, the Legislative Council directed senior staff officials at the Legislature to explore the idea of a new State House and discuss it with the RSA.

Only one lawmaker commented on the new State House before the vote on the bill today. Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee, said she supported the idea because of what she said is the unhealthy conditions in the current building caused by moisture, mold and mildew.

“It is truly time that we get serious about this situation and make this environment a healthy environment,” Warren said.

The bill affects other topics besides the State House. It would change the starting date of legislative session in the years following elections from the first Tuesday in March to the first Tuesday in February.