As we prepare for part two of the 2025 Regular Session to resume on February 4, it is worth noting that this will mark a significant moment in our legislature’s history. It will be the final session held in the Capitol building for at least three years, as extensive renovations are set to begin immediately following the adjournment of the General Assembly.
This historic building, which has stood as the heart of the commonwealth since 1910, will close its doors to the public, elected officials, and staff while the necessary upgrades and restorations that are part of the $300 million project take place.
Those who have visited Frankfort recently have seen the scaffolding that covers the dome as exterior work began several years ago. Interior work will begin as we enter the next phase. While this project is expensive, it would be far more expensive to replace the facility or wait longer to make improvements. The fact is, while still an architecturally beautiful symbol of our state’s potential, it is old, out-of-date, and requires structural upgrades to ensure it remains a part of our state for generations to come.
This project also means that those who have yet to visit or wish to visit again need to do so now. For everyone’s safety, the Capitol building itself will be completely off limits until all renovations are complete.
During this time, the legislature will be meeting in the temporary chambers constructed in the parking lot on the east side of the Capitol Annex. These chambers have been designed to accommodate both the House and Senate. They will serve as our working home until the Capitol is ready to reopen.
While change is often bittersweet, the renovation project represents our investment to preserve our Capitol for future generations. We look forward to seeing our Capitol restored to its fully glory, coupled with some modern enhancements while maintaining its history.
For now, I encourage you to take the opportunity to visit while we are in session. Use this time to make the most of our last session in the Capitol building as we prepare to turn the page on a new chapter in our Capitol’s history. For your convenience, I will include information on how to visit the Capitol and the Capitol Annex:
Capitol Building
Hours of Operation:
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Excluding specific holidays)
Saturday- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Excluding specific holidays)
Sunday- Closed
Parking: On-site parking is available on Capital Avenue. Large groups and school tours are asked to call (502) 564- 3449 to make arrangements and get information about providing identification. Bus parking is available along Capitol Avenue in front of the Capitol building.
Tours: For tours or additional information, please contact my office at 1-800-372-7181 or 502-564-8100, or email me at Samara.Heavrin@kylegislature.gov.
Capitol Annex
Legislative Committee Meetings: Legislative committee meetings are held throughout the year and are open to the public. No special passes are needed. Most committee meetings occur on the first floor of the Capitol Annex, although some are held in various spaces in the Capitol during a legislative session. Visitors should consult the Legislative Calendar on legislature.ky.gov for dates, times, and room numbers, and be prepared for last-minute changes.
Parking: A large parking garage is located on the east side of the Capitol Annex (the office building directly behind the Capitol). The surface lot of the garage provides public parking, and several ADA spaces are in the row closest to the Annex. Levels 4-6 also provide parking for the public, and Levels 4 and 5 offer ADA accessible parking near the elevators. Level 2 and half of Level 3 are reserved for vehicles with permits.
Resources for Teachers
School Group Tours: The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) is great resource for teachers and students who are interested in learning about the legislative process! To schedule a school group tour, please contact my office at 502-564-8100 or email me at Samara.Heavrin@kylegislature.gov.
Alternatives to Capitol Visit: While the Capitol is closing for at least three years, Frankfort is still a place rich with history. Bring children to visit the Thomas D. Clark Kentucky History Center, the Old Capitol, or the Military History Museum. I also have some resources for groups that cannot make the trip – including a video tour and activity books.
Watching Online
If you are not able to visit in person, we use a variety of tools to keep the legislature’s work accessible and transparent. For decades, Kentucky Educational Television (KET) has televised committee meetings and the work we do on the House Floor. In addition, the legislature now offers a YouTube channel and broadcasts live from all committees, including those that KET is unable to cover. To access the KET and YouTube coverage, visit www.legislature.ky.gov and click on the Live Coverage box. You may also go directly to them via www.ket.org and KY LRC Committee Meetings on YouTube.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Samara.Heavrin@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
Rep. Samara Heavrin, R-Leitchfield