HB 971: RELATING TO STATE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.

Establishes the Office of the State Architect within the Department of Accounting and General Services to be headed by the State Architect.  Authorizes the State Architect to organize, manage, and oversee the design review of all state construction projects and issue design approvals.  Establishes the Design Review Special Fund.  Requires the State Architect to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature.  Authorizes DAGS to provide centralized design review services for state construction projects and issue design approvals through the State Architect.  Exempts state construction projects from county building permit, inspection, and certificate of occupancy requirements, subject to certain conditions.  Makes appropriations.