Video & Transcript Research : 'State Capitol'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/6/26 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We have had a cross destroyed on the grounds of the State Capitol.
- The front steps of Minnesota, our front steps of the State Capitol, which are currently unable to be
- to talk to their legislators, when they're on the Capitol grounds, at protester rallies. state.
- With this important debate in front of us, let's remember that our state Capitol and these Capitol grounds
- And when they come on a field trip to the state Capitol And when we talk about health and safety, we
Summary:
The House took up Senate File 3432, a public safety bill requiring identifying equipment and insignia to be removed from emergency vehicles sold to the public. The chamber first adopted a House language amendment, then debated a broader security package that would fund judicial and courthouse security, Capitol security measures, short-term protection for legislators facing credible threats, State Patrol deficiency funding, and additional BCA analysts and investigators to assess threats statewide. Supporters framed the bill as necessary to protect public safety, democracy, and First Amendment activity at the Capitol and courthouses; they also said the package was pared down from larger requests and based on security reviews. The House adopted an A-1 amendment clarifying that BCA staff could investigate threats statewide, and later rejected a Schultz A-3 amendment that would have eliminated all appropriations in the bill. The A-3 was defeated on a 37-94 vote after the House upheld the Speaker’s ruling that a proposed school-safety secondary amendment was not germane, with that appeal decided 69-62.
A major theme of debate was whether the Legislature should prioritize security for members and the Capitol before passing school safety funding. Several members argued they could not support spending tens of millions on Capitol and legislative security without first funding school safety for all students, including public, charter, private, and tribal schools. Others defended the bill as necessary because of recent threats and violence, including the June 14 tragedy, and said the Capitol security changes were based on professional recommendations. Some members also criticized the new security setup as overly restrictive or “security theater,” while supporters said the measures were needed to keep the public, staff, and lawmakers safe.
After the A-3 was defeated, the bill was read for third time and members continued floor debate. The discussion remained split between those emphasizing immediate Capitol and legislative security needs and those insisting school safety should come first. Representative Agbaje then moved to table the bill, and the clerk began a roll call on that motion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security 1/13/26 - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- state capitol.
- troopers that are currently staffed at the Minnesota State Capitol and the complex.
- At the end of 2024, there were 38 staffing vacancies within the Minnesota State Patrol at the state capitol
- State troopers are those that are responsible for law enforcement operations across the state capitol
- In addition, a door hardware project is near completion in the State Capitol building.
Summary:
The committee reconvened in open session after a closed discussion of sensitive security details and reviewed the public executive summary of the Minnesota State Capitol Complex Security Assessment by Axtel. Members discussed weapon screening and access control at length, including testimony from Capitol security and judicial center staff about screening procedures, prohibited items, and how screening is managed for visitors and authorized personnel. The chair emphasized that the committee was voting on high-level recommendations to be included in the final ACAST report and that the Department of Public Safety and Department of Administration would be encouraged to pursue the necessary work, including any legislative or budget requests.
The committee then took a series of roll-call votes on the Axtel recommendations. Access control screening and visitor management (5.11) passed 4-2, while authorized access control and credential oversight (5.12), internal circulation and zoning controls (5.13), perimeter and exterior grounds (5.14), staffing models/post orders/operational readiness (5.15), technology and system integration (5.16), and protective intelligence (5.18) all passed unanimously 6-0. Each approved item was added as a recommendation in the final report.
After the votes, the Department of Administration, Department of Public Safety, and House and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms offices walked through the draft final report. They highlighted staffing improvements, security infrastructure already installed, and remaining needs, including an estimated $41.008 million request for future enhancements such as kiosks, glass-resistant film, door access controls, cameras, lighting, bollards, and an updated distributed antenna system. The report also includes recommendations on trauma-informed safety drills, conduct rules for hearings, and designating the Minnesota State Patrol Capital Security Division as the primary investigative authority for potential criminal activity on Capitol grounds.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
State official protective services 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- First, I just want to say thank you to our Sergeant-at-Arms, State Patrol, and Capitol Security for their
- According to our own Minnesota State Patrol, threats against state agency commissioners, lawmakers, and
- Thank you to our Sergeant-at-Arms, State Patrol, and Capitol Security for their tireless vigilance, their
- They should be the ones protecting me at home, whereas Capitol Security and the State Patrol's job is
- . state. state.
Summary:
House File 3791 was laid over for possible inclusion later, with Rep. Green and Rep. Noor presenting it as a response to rising threats against Minnesota elected officials and public officers. They cited increased threat reports, the June 2025 killings of Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and her husband, the shootings of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, and other recent threats as evidence that current protective resources are insufficient. The bill would create a state officials protective services unit within the State Patrol, provide security and threat-assessment services for principal state officials, and require reporting on credible threats. Rep. Noor said the proposal would be triggered by leadership when there is a credible threat, would include legislators and constitutional officers, and would be funded at about $3.98 million in FY 2027 with an ongoing base of $3.25 million, with some ability to contract with local law enforcement for support in official-capacity situations.
Members raised concerns about scope, jurisdiction, and cost. Rep. Olsen argued the bill was not narrow enough and worried it could allow Capitol Security to provide home or event security too broadly, rather than limiting the work to the Capitol and catastrophic incidents. Rep. Joy offered an A1 amendment to use existing funds instead of adding new spending, saying local sheriffs and police already handle many situations. That amendment failed on a voice vote. Rep. Olson then moved an A2 amendment focused on clarifying who should be in charge of protection at home and how local law enforcement would be involved; discussion centered on whether Capitol Security, State Patrol, or local agencies should lead response and how credible threats would be determined.
Supporters of the bill, including Rep. Green and Rep. Muir, said the events of June 14 showed the need for a dedicated, coordinated protective service and that local responses were uneven across jurisdictions. Rep. Muir described delayed or inconsistent police responses after the attacks and said lawmakers need a more reliable system to keep members and their families safe. Rep. Keagle also testified about personal threats and harassment at home, including a prank pizza delivery that made her fear someone knew when she was home. The committee did not take final action on the bill beyond laying it over, and the A1 amendment failed; discussion on the A2 amendment and the bill’s details continued.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Increasing Security at the Capitol – Senator Bonnie Westlin Feb 20th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, I went to the Delaware Capitol and I've been to the Texas Capitol and I went through screenings
- Yeah, I went to the Delaware Capitol and I've been to the Texas Capitol and I went through screenings
- So this is not a blue state issue versus a red state issue.
- 08:34.800>
West states like Tennessee, Alabama, West states like Tennessee, Alabama, West Virginia - state issue versus a red state issue. state issue versus a red state issue. red<00:08:46.399>
Summary:
The interview focused on changes to security at the Minnesota Capitol complex in response to rising political violence and recent attacks on public officials, including the June 14 assassinations of Melissa and Mark Hartman and the attempted assassination of Senator Hoffman and his wife. The senator said those events, along with broader threats against elected officials, created urgency to strengthen protections for members, staff, and visitors.
The discussion centered on the Axtell report, a Department of Public Safety security assessment of four priority buildings: the Capitol, Centennial Office Building, Judicial Center, and Minnesota Senate Building. The report included a public executive summary and a confidential detailed analysis. Its top recommendation was weapon screening, which the advisory committee adopted as the highest-impact measure to prevent weapons or other dangerous items from entering the buildings.
The senator described visible changes such as screening at entrances, single-entry points, Evolv machines, and X-ray screening for bags, as well as a Senate rule barring guns in the gallery after concerns about member safety. She argued these measures do not significantly reduce access because most state capitols already screen visitors, and said restrictions on firearms in government buildings are consistent with constitutional limits in sensitive places. She also noted that permit holders may still enter with firearms for now, but said she plans to introduce a bill to ban guns on the Capitol complex entirely.
Additional recommendations discussed included encrypted staff badges, more consistent access controls across buildings, and behavioral threat assessment training. The senator said some proposals will require legislative action and funding, citing an estimated $41 million request from the Department of Administration, while other measures could be implemented administratively from the non-public security report.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- By Lozano, recognizing March 19th, 2025 as San Patricio County Day at the state capitol.
- Welcome to your state capitol.
- This resolution recognizes March 19th, 2025 is Hill County Day at the state capitol.
- State Capitol.
- Welcome to your state capitol.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Please give them a warm welcome to their Texas State Capitol.
- Communities in Schools Day at your state capitol.
- Let's welcome them to our state capitol.
- Future nurses and leaders, enjoy your day at the Texas State Capitol.
- Please join me in welcoming them to our state capitol. Thank you all.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Taking Courage from the Interim / Increasing Security at the Capitol / Affordable Housing Efforts Feb 20th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- guns on their capitols.
- So this is not a blue state issue versus a red state issue.
- state issue versus a red state issue. state issue versus a red state issue. red<00:13:36.880>
- affordable across the state. affordable across the state.
- And these neighboring states.
Summary:
The program opened the 2026 Senate session with tributes to Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and others lost or injured during the interim, including Senator John Hoffman, who returned to the floor after surviving an attack. Senators repeatedly framed the session around courage, grief, civil discourse, and a commitment to govern despite heightened fear and political violence. The Capitol itself has changed in response, with locked doors, new security systems, more law enforcement presence, and new visitor guidelines.
A major segment focused on Capitol security. Senator Bonnie Westlin said the Axtell report, commissioned by the Department of Public Safety, was the basis for new screening measures and identified weapon screening as the top priority. She said the goal is to create a safer perimeter for members, staff, and the thousands of annual visitors, while keeping access workable through single entry points and Evolv screening machines. She also discussed Senate restrictions on guns in the gallery, possible future legislation to ban guns on the Capitol complex, encrypted badges, internal access controls, and behavioral threat assessments. She noted some recommendations will require funding, with the Department of Administration seeking about $41 million.
The program also highlighted the Senate fiscal review, described as a nonpartisan summary of the enacted budget that is being moved toward a more interactive web format. Another segment featured Senator Eric Lucero on affordable housing and home ownership. He said the Minnesota Housing workforce and affordable home ownership program is intended to increase owner-occupied housing supply, but argued that 123 homes built statewide is not enough to address the shortage. Lucero blamed regulation and permitting delays for higher costs, said Minnesota homes can cost $50,000 to $150,000 more than comparable homes in neighboring states, and said he will continue pushing for regulatory rollbacks to make home ownership more attainable.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We pray for our Speaker of the House, all senators, state Representatives, Capitol employees to be blessed
- with wisdom, humility, and love as they legislate in the Capitol chambers of this great state.
- HR number 165, FIFAU, recognizing February 25, 2025 as Brazoria County Day at the state Capitol.
- H number 338 by Curry recognizing February 25, 2025 as Baylor Day at the state Capitol.
- HR number 3344 by Kitzman recognizing February 25, 2025 as Wharton County Day at the state Capitol.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- H.R. 517 by Alcott recognizing March 25th, 2025, as Parker County Day at the State Capitol.
- Members, today is Montague County Day at the State Capitol.
- State Capitol. Thank you. Members, we are adjourned.
- H.R. 485 by Hefner, recognizing March 26, 2025, as Texas Pharmacy Day at the State Capitol.
- Patterson to explain the resolution as Upbring Advocacy Day at the Texas State Capitol.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We celebrate in the State Capitol a special group from the great city of McAllen, and I will say, Mr.
- Welcome to your state Capitol, and we are honored that you're here. Thank you so much.
- Welcome to your state Capitol, and we are honored that you're here. Thank you so much.
- Welcome to your state Capitol. Chair recognizes Senator Nichols for recognition. Thank you, Mr.
- Welcome to your state capitol. Chair recognizes Senator Nichols for recognition. Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The Texas Senate convened with a quorum, heard the governor’s emergency message outlining priority issues for the session, including property tax relief, water supply and infrastructure funding, universal education savings accounts, teacher pay, career and technical education, creation of a Texas Cyber Command, and bail reform. The governor also submitted a State of the State message and several appointment nominations for Senate confirmation. The chamber then took up a series of ceremonial resolutions and recognitions for McAllen Day, UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Day, Wise County Day, and Houston East End Chamber of Commerce East End Day, along with visits from the Houston Realty Business Coalition, Cedar Creek Chamber of Commerce, Webb County/Laredo delegates, UT Dallas McDermott Scholars, Andrews County officials, and occupational therapy professionals and students.
Several senators spoke in support of the recognitions, highlighting local economic development, higher education, public health, and regional history. McAllen was praised for its growth, business climate, and cultural significance; Laredo and Webb County were recognized for trade, the Washington’s Birthday Celebration, and cross-border ties; UTSA and UT Health were commended for research, cybersecurity, and health science work; and UT Dallas scholars were recognized for academic achievement and public service. Wise County, the East End of Houston, and Andrews County were also described in terms of their economic contributions and community heritage.
The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 27 for McAllen Day and Senate Resolution 32 for UTSA and UT Health San Antonio Day without objection. It also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 11, which granted permission for either house to adjourn for more than three days between February 5 and February 11, by a recorded vote of 30 ayes and 0 nays. Additional resolutions listed on the calendar were adopted without objection, and the Senate recessed until noon on Wednesday, February 5.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HR 317 by Slawson recognizing February 20th, 2025 as Tarleton State University Day at the state Capitol
- It is my pleasure to recognize today Tarleton State University Day here at the state Capitol while While
- HR 139 by Kane recognizing February 20th, 2025 is Baytown Day at State Capitol.
- Welcome to your state Capitol. The chair recognizes Mr. Reynolds for a motion. Thank you Mr.
- HR 314 by Leilani recognizing February 24, 25 as AAPI day of action at the state Capitol.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Melissa Hortman State Office Building 3/12/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And welcome to your state Capitol. Mr.
- On behalf of the House of Representatives, welcome to your state Capitol.
- Members, help me recognize these distinguished guests to their state Capitol.
- Thank you all for being at your state Capitol. We're so proud to have you all here. Thank you.
- Littlefield Kidney Day at the state Capitol. Chair Mr. Gehan to explain the resolution.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- capitol.
- Please join me in celebrating Orange and Maroon Day at the State Capitol by thanking the alumni of these
- So members, help me welcome them to their state capitol. Thank you all for being here.
- Thank y'all for representing Bee County and welcome to your state capitol. the following resolution.
- Capitol. on the resolution. cancer affects countless families in our state and the American Cancer Society
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We appreciate you being here today. and welcome to your state capitol. Mr.
- On behalf of the House of Representatives, welcome to your state capitol.
- Members, help me recognize these distinguished guests to their state capitol.
- Thank you for coming to your state capitol since 1998.
- Littlefield Kidney Day at the state capitol. Today we recognize Rita L.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HR number 121 by Raymond recognizing February 4th, 2025 as Laredo Day at the state Capitol.
- HR number 76 by King recognizing February 4, 2025 as Andrews County Day at the state Capitol.
- HR number 169 by Hopper recognizing February 4, 2025 as Wise County Day at the state Capitol.
- Capitol located in the northwestern part of the state.
- On January 30th, grandparents from across the state of Texas came here to their Texas State Capitol to
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Facilities Review Subcommittee Jul 10th, 2025
Facilities Review Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- As Secretary of State, Maggie Toulouse Oliver.
- I've had to have a personal state police detail.
- And they don't need that proximity to the Capitol.
- space within close proximity to the Capitol, right?
- Who are you referencing—the state agencies that are also in Capitol North that don't need to be there
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HR number 121 by Raymond, recognizing February 4th, 2025 as Laredo Day. at the state capitol.
- Creek Lake Day at the state capitol.
- HR number 169 by Hopper recognizing February 4th, 2025 as Wise County Day at the State Capitol.
- capitol located in the northwestern part of the state.
- On January 30th, grandparents. from across the state of Texas came here to their Texas State Capitol
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- States and these United States of America.
- It's 2025 as Brazoria County Day at the state capitol. Chair recognizes Mr.
- Recognizing February 25th, 2025 as Texas Hispanic Judges Day at the state capitol. Ms.
- League of Women Voters Collin County and welcome to your state capitol.
- Physician Assistant Day at the State Capitol. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security 4/20/26
Transcript Highlights:
- I call this meeting of the Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security to order.
- implement weapon screening at the State implement weapon screening at the State Capitol<00:02:25.280
- And also to State Patrol, Capital Security, Sergeant-at-Arms.
- I think this just gives us more peace of mind, and the presence of Capitol security, the State Patrol
- So hats off to the state troopers. Thank you. Absolutely.
Summary:
The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security met on April 20, 2026, with a quorum present and adopted the January 13, 2026 minutes. The chair thanked the State Patrol, sergeants-at-arms, and capital security officers for their work during the session, and noted that the committee’s earlier recommendations were reflected in Governor’s Executive Order 2602, including weapon screening at the State Capitol. The chair also said the committee’s annual report included recommendations for bonding, policy, and budget changes, and expressed hope the legislature would act on them.
Department of Public Safety and State Patrol officials reported that implementation of weapon screening had gone well overall and said they were continuing to gather feedback for improvements. Colonel Bogayevich said that since the start of session, 121,598 people had been screened at the Capitol’s entrances, 548 permits were verified, and 52 prohibited items were turned away. Examples of prohibited items included knives, a camping/marshmallow skewer, and a screwdriver; no firearms were found in the Capitol building. She also said the busiest day produced a wait of about 15 to 17 minutes, and that staffing was adjusted to handle larger groups such as school tours.
The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms reported that 49,277 people had come through Senate screening as of the previous Friday, including 196 concealed carry permits, and that 2,359 people had entered the West Gallery to observe Senate proceedings. He also said some Senate building access doors had been reduced to direct traffic and that an audit of key card access had begun. The House Deputy Chief Sergeant-at-Arms reported about 1,400 people had been screened for the House gallery, and noted that an NCSL visitor from Oregon would shadow House security staff to learn from Minnesota’s approach. Members from both bodies praised the professionalism of security staff and said the added trooper presence made members and the public feel safer.
No members of the public signed up to testify, so the public comment period closed without testimony. The meeting adjourned after the chair reiterated that the goal of the security measures was to allow visitors, members, and public servants to participate safely.