A. Notwithstanding the project scope set forth for project 194-18528 as originally authorized in Chapter 552, 2021 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, and as subsequently amended in Chapter 1, 2022 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, and Chapter 1, 2023 Acts of Assembly, Special Session, I, the scope of this project shall now be limited to: (i) the full demolition of the existing structure formerly serving as the Virginia Employment Commission Building, and any related site stabilization; and (ii) planning for a new state agency building as hereby set forth in paragraph B. of this item.

B. The Department of General Services (the Department) shall perform a study and make recommendations regarding the utilization of two currently owned state properties for potential development of a new state employee office building; such properties are (i) the site originally designated in project 194-18528 at the corner of 7th and Main Streets (former site of the Virginia Employment Commission), and (ii) the site of the current Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Annex Building, located at 1401 East Broad Street. Specifically, the Department shall provide a report by November 1, 2024, to the Chairs of the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees that includes a full evaluation of both properties and details and recommendations on: (i) timeline and cost estimates for options for a new state office building on either site, to include consideration of renovating and/or demolishing any existing structure and steps and timeline of any necessary property transfers, (ii) suggested total facility size and scope requirements as they comply with cited current general industry-acceptable space standards and with consideration to any specific space or operational needs of agencies occupying the Monroe Building and the conference space offered in the Monroe Building; (iii) consideration of whether such new state agency facility requires adjacent additional parking for agency tenants; and (iv) timeline and cost estimates for necessary and critical upkeep to the Monroe Building to ensure ongoing tenant safety. The Department may utilize funds provided to capital project 194-18528 for the work directed in this item. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the properties in subsection (i) and (ii) shall not be sold, conveyed, or transferred unless authorized in an Appropriation Act.

C. With consideration to the study directed in paragraph B. of this item, no executive branch agency shall be relocated permanently from the Monroe Building unless otherwise authorized by the General Assembly.

D. The Virginia Lottery shall not sign any lease for permanent relocation from their current location prior to July 1, 2025.