MADISON, Wis. -- Some state lawmakers want to make it easier for motorists to park their vehicle in downtown Madison.

More parking would be available to the public around the state Capitol on weekends and after hours under a proposal before the Legislature.

A bipartisan coalition of legislators would do so by giving up their own parking spots for part of the day. The bill would make 151 reserved spots available to the public after 6 p.m. on weekdays and weekends. There are currently just 51 spots for the public around the Capitol.

The reserved spots are set aside for lawmakers, state officials and employees.

Supporters say freeing up parking would make it easier for the public to access businesses and other attractions in downtown Madison.

Under the proposal, police could still block off spots for special events, like the popular farmers' market.

State Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, said that the resurgence in downtown businesses is stymied because residents can't access easily the area.

"Obviously, with the restaurants down here, there's a lot of people coming downtown to eat, which is great," Erpenbach said. "But, if you take a walk around the square at night, which I'm sure you've done before, you see spots sitting empty across from restaurants where perhaps they shouldn't be."

State Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, said that the measure should help a wide group of people.

"I really think for the good of the downtown merchants and plus the fact, it makes us look kind of arrogant for people to come around here on Saturdays and have these slots reserved for legislators," he said.

The measure is supported by Capital Neighborhoods, who said it could help with further downtown development.

Parking would still be restricted during special events and on Saturday mornings during the Farmers' Market.

The bill still needs to get a vote in the Senate committee before going to the full Senate.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.