Provides that state capitol access keys or key cards shall be provided to spouses and children of members of the General Assembly upon written request of the member
Summary
SB 663 revises Missouri law governing access to the state capitol and its dome. The bill repeals and reenacts section 8.016, RSMo, to require the commissioner of the Office of Administration to provide each member of the Senate and House of Representatives with a key or key card that accesses the state capitol, and to continue providing a key for access to the capitol dome. It also adds a new provision allowing a legislator, upon written request, to obtain a key or key card for the member’s spouse or children to access the capitol.
The bill also assigns the president pro tem of the Senate and the speaker of the House responsibility for creating a training program for legislators and staff on access to secured areas of the capitol building. They may consult with the Office of Administration and the Department of Public Safety in developing that program. Overall, the measure is focused on physical access, security procedures, and who may be granted entry privileges within the capitol complex.
Impact
SB 663 would amend section 8.016, RSMo, by expanding statutory access rights to the state capitol to include spouses and children of legislators when requested in writing by the member. It would also formalize a training requirement for members and staff regarding access to secured areas, while leaving the Office of Administration responsible for issuing the keys or key cards. The bill affects state administrative practices, legislative access policies, and capitol security procedures, but does not create broader substantive policy changes outside capitol operations.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be framed as an administrative and security-related update rather than a controversial policy shift. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no documented debate, opposition, or recorded support to indicate a broader political sentiment. The available context suggests a straightforward proposal aimed at clarifying access rules and training responsibilities for the capitol.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the expansion of access privileges to legislators’ spouses and children, which could raise security concerns about who should be allowed into the capitol and under what safeguards. Another possible issue is whether the training program and consultation with security agencies are sufficient to mitigate those concerns. Because no discussion transcripts or votes are available, specific supporters or opponents cannot be identified from the record provided.