Video & Transcript Research : 'security'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, March 27, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Yet, their securing our homeland.
- only half of our homeland security. only half of our homeland security.
- Homeland Security. Homeland Security.
- Homeland Security at any level. So, Mr. Homeland Security at any level. So, Mr.
- in Homeland Security. And you say no. in Homeland Security. And you say no.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- guards who are licensed to be armed security guards under the Louisiana Board of Private Security Examiners
- guard, armed security guard.
- One where a security officer was shot and killed, and in a couple of cases where security officers, in
- And if you can, if there's another security officer, maybe allowing that security officer to come in
- But a poorly trained security guard are who has a I absolutely do, but a poorly trained security guard
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/6/26 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- First, there's funding in this bill for judicial security and courthouse security.
- There's funding in this bill for judicial security and courthouse security chairs.
- in courthouse security grants.
- I had folks that do the security there not to do my security here because we have folks to do the security
- I had folks that do the security there not to do my security here because we have folks to do the security
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
House lawmakers advance bill to boost spending on Capitol security 4/27/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- one security package.
- This includes continued home security. This includes continued home security.
- What's the There are um other security measures in There are um other security measures in place.<00:
- Um, you of our security staff as well.
- <00:13:59.680>
officers, yellow ties, capital security officers, yellow ties, capital security
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3230, a security package combining several bills related to political and Capitol security. Members first adopted the DE6 amendment, described as reflecting the negotiated allocation and appropriations language, and then heard Chair Mullen explain that the bill covers judicial security and courthouse grants, continued Capitol grounds screening, hardware and hardening improvements, legislative services home security, temporary local law enforcement support for credible threats, a new task force, funding for the BCA threat assessment team, and DPS deficiency funding tied to recent events.
Discussion focused largely on the balance between security and public access. Representative West objected to the Capitol screening and metal detectors, arguing the Capitol is the “people’s house” and questioning the cost and fairness of the measures; he also asked whether the bill changed who controls Capitol security. In response, members said the scanners were not created by this bill but were already decided by the governor and security commission, and that the bill includes a provision clarifying the chain of command and training responsibilities. Other members supported the package as a necessary response to political violence and threats, emphasizing protection for lawmakers, staff, visitors, and the public.
After discussion, the committee renewed the motion to place House File 3230, as amended, on the general register. The motion passed without opposition.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Local government cybersecurity grant bill, HF140, heard in state government committee 2/27/25
Transcript Highlights:
- More recently, UnitedHealth also tied on security, acquired a new company whose security was not as sound
- acquired a new company tied on security acquired a new company whose<00:05:10.000>
security <00 - Government secure critical assets and data, place them in the path to a secure future, and provide trust
- security critical for a baseline cyber security posture<00:08:28.840>
uh <00:08:29.080>while - things like W2s w4s Social Security things like W2s w4s Social Security numbers<00:10:23.040>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Economic Security Security National Economic Security National<00:04:12.400>
Public <00:04:12.760 - security.
- cyber security just plain old from cyber security just plain old physical<00:08:17.120>
security <00:54:26.040>- physical security cyber including physical security cyber security<00:09:45.480>
and <00:09:45.600security <00:54:26.680>with part of maintaining secure security with - physical security cyber including physical security cyber security<00:09:45.480>
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 4th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- It is where domestic security, the rubber meets the road.
- And as a result, that increases our domestic security.
- We have six domestic security goals in Florida.
- So we're going to talk about domestic security funding, and there's a saying in domestic security: the
- Last year you funded a school security assessment grant.
Summary:
The committee heard a series of domestic security and law enforcement presentations from the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Florida Highway Patrol, and FDLE. Sheriff Rob Hardwick outlined the sheriffs’ legislative priorities, focusing on adding xylazine to Florida’s trafficking statute and increasing penalties for luring or enticing a child under 12 from a misdemeanor to a felony. He also discussed domestic security coordination, fusion center intelligence sharing, and jail-based reentry efforts. Members asked about xylazine prevalence in Broward County and whether canine units can detect it; Hardwick said he would follow up with data and noted that dogs are not specifically trained for xylazine, though fentanyl-certified dogs may alert on mixtures.
Chief Charlie Vasquez of the Florida Police Chiefs Association presented three priorities: stronger protections for law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and their families when threatened because of their jobs; faster and more consistent access to blood-borne pathogen testing results after exposure incidents; and mandatory life without release for anyone convicted of murdering a police or correctional officer, reviving a version of the Jason Raynor Act. Senators asked about delays in blood testing after exposure, and Vasquez said officers can be forced to take prophylactic medication while waiting for results and that the process should be streamlined.
Florida Highway Patrol Director Dave Kerner described FHP’s domestic security role, including criminal interdiction, canine units, traffic homicide investigations, aviation, drones, border operations, and responses to threats such as human smuggling and the October 7-related security posture at synagogues and campuses. He said staffing remains constrained by vacancies and pay disparities, so he was not seeking more authorized troopers at this time. FDLE Deputy Commissioner David Binder then reviewed the state’s domestic security structure, fusion centers, critical infrastructure assessments, and grant funding, warning that federal homeland security dollars have declined sharply while threats remain high. He highlighted work on drone mitigation, radiological detection, vehicle barriers, and school security assessments, and emphasized the need for continued interagency coordination. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and questions.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- guards who are licensed to be armed security guards under the Louisiana Board of Private Security Examiners
- guard, armed security guard.
- Now, we're not trying to make security...
- The security is very minimal compared to that.
- And if you can, if there's another security officer, maybe allowing that security officer to come in
Summary:
The committee first approved the May 5 minutes and then heard House Bill 578, which would define sex in Louisiana law as biological sex, replace references to gender with sex in various statutes and forms, and direct the Law Institute to make conforming changes. Supporters from the governor’s office said the bill would bring clarity and consistency, while opponents argued it could create conflicts with existing law and weaken protections tied to gender identity. After debate, the committee reported HB 578 favorably.
Members then considered House Bill 1250, a measure aimed at aerospace-related litigation. The bill would allow a special motion to strike certain claims against aerospace flight entities when the claims are preempted by federal law. Senators raised concerns that the language was broad enough to affect airports, airlines, contractors, and even unrelated incidents, and the author said he was willing to work on narrowing amendments. The committee nevertheless reported HB 1250 favorably. House Bill 718, dealing with liability protections for private airstrips used for recreation, was amended to narrow its scope and then reported favorably, while House Bill 163, a narrower related airstrip bill, was voluntarily deferred so the committee could work from the other measure.
The committee also approved House Concurrent Resolution 61, which asks the Louisiana Law Institute to review possible conflicts between the constitution and statutes on expropriation. House Bill 180, defining foreign adversaries and agents of foreign adversaries for a proposed constitutional amendment, and House Bill 192, a constitutional amendment barring foreign adversaries from expropriating land in Louisiana, were both reported favorably. House Bill 1008, which sets out academic freedom and whistleblower protections for higher education, was rejected on a roll-call vote after concerns about its scope and limits on university discipline. House Bill 638, a prompt-payment bill for contractors, was set aside while amendments were being located.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 71, which would extend existing liability protections for justified use of force to properly trained armed security guards. The author and the Board of Private Security Examiners said security officers receive training and often face dangerous situations, but opponents argued the bill would give too much protection to personnel with far less training than law enforcement and could shield bad shootings. After debate, the committee voted to defer HB 71. The last measure discussed was House Bill 1082, which would change venue rules for lawsuits involving the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System so actions by the system would be filed where the employer is located; the author said the bill was meant to help small municipalities, and members indicated they were open to narrowing amendments.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- security program and risk management, inventory of IT hardware and software assets, security awareness
- security program and risk management, inventory of IT hardware and software assets, security awareness
- and participate within their security and participate within their security program<00:10:56.760
- started doing an annual security started doing an annual security training<01:32:11.560>
for< - focus is around tightening our secur focus is around tightening our secur security<01:35:24.480>
Keywords:
sports facilities, Minnesota, legislative commission, financial oversight, accountability, HF1062, driver and vehicle systems oversight committee, MNLARS, VTRS, vehicle title and registration system, driver's license system, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, MN.IT, legislative oversight, transportation finance, state government, committee repeal, sunset provision, information technology audit, vehicle registration
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There are security risks, both in terms of who is allowed in for physical security and also regarding
- We'll have full physical security.
- There is space in the building; it is secure, and it could be made even more secure.
- our grid, secure ERCOT, secure so many things that we need to secure, we need to move into a SCIF as
- State security and our nation's security grow and grow, and Texas is blessed to have some of the strongest
Bills:
HB146, HB150, HB1500, HB1545, HB1562, HB2067, HB2520, HB2818, HB3214, HB3250, HB3466, HB3512, HB3623, HB4063, HB4395, HB4464, HB4668, HB4690, HB5331, HB3833, HB146, HB150
Keywords:
HB 146, Texas Capitol, State Capitol, State Preservation Board, Congress Avenue, Travis County, traffic lanes, lane closure, road closure, municipal authority, local control, Capitol area, downtown Austin, special events, construction traffic plan, pedestrian safety, public works, transportation policy, government code chapter 443, cybersecurity
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Department of Public Safety Press Conference 2/13/26
Transcript Highlights:
- troopers or capital security officers. troopers or capital security officers.
- Screening is a everyone feels secure.
- security staff instructions. security staff instructions.
- Weapons screening is a common security Weapons screening is a common security tool<00:07:50.319>
- <00:10:25.760>
or process again you'll alert security or process again you'll alert security
Summary:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogey announced that weapon screening will begin Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol at the start of the 2026 legislative session. They said the change is based on an independent security assessment and the Axtell report’s top recommendation, and framed it as an added layer of protection rather than a weapons ban or a change in state law. Both emphasized that the Capitol will remain open, accessible, and welcoming while reducing preventable risks, citing heightened threats to public officials and the recent murders and shootings involving Minnesota lawmakers and their families.
Bogey outlined the screening plan: visitors will use four public access points, with the south ground-level entrance as the primary entry, while other exterior doors will not be open for public entry. She said the process should take only seconds for most people, with bags going through separate scanners and additional screening only if needed. The Capitol will close to the general public at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, though accommodations will be made when hearings or floor sessions run later. She also said the entrances and screening areas are ADA accessible and that staff will be available to help guide visitors.
In questions, officials said prohibited items are defined by statute and administrative rules and referred reporters to the State Patrol website for the full list. They confirmed that lawful permit-to-carry holders may still bring firearms, but must declare the permit, show government ID, and go through screening; elected officials are exempt, while staff are not. They also said the State Patrol will fund the rollout from its own budget, with costs to be evaluated over time, and that tunnel key-card access will be restricted to everyone. The briefing ended with a plan to demonstrate the screening equipment upstairs.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- housed in the state patrol to Security housed in the state patrol to provide<00:25:39.600>
security - <00:46:55.040>
and about increasing the the security and about increasing the the security - <00:54:14.319>
And non-public schools for security. And non-public schools for security. - So this um for additional security.
- the additional capital security the additional capital security personnel<01:08:46.319>
we
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Refer to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs.
- Refer to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs.
- Refer the Committee of Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs.
- HB 2256 by Goodwin relates to the financial security requirement for.
- Refer to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veteran Affairs.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine bipartisan legislative frameworks for digital assets. Feb 26th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Digital Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- Unlike securities, which cease to exist if the securities issuer has been dissolved, digital assets,
- And they have the potential to undermine our securities laws.
- This is unlike any security that's out there.
- That is not itself a security is sort of embodiment of a securities transaction So the law has not recognized
- or placed on non security assets some characteristics of being a security simply because they were sold
Keywords:
Digital Assets, Bitcoin, Stablecoins, Legislation, Bipartisan, Consumer Protection, Regulatory Framework, Financial Innovation, Testimony
Summary:
The inaugural meeting of the Digital Assets Subcommittee brought a wave of excitement and anticipation regarding the future of digital assets, including Bitcoin and stablecoins. Chair Lummis expressed gratitude towards Senator Scott for establishing the subcommittee, indicating a commitment to promote responsible innovation while safeguarding consumers. Members discussed the necessity for a bipartisan legislative framework to regulate digital asset markets effectively while outlining the potential benefits such legislation could have on enhancing financial inclusion and streamlining payments. The meeting featured expert testimonies from key figures in the digital asset industry, highlighting the importance of creating clear regulatory guidance for digital assets to foster innovation without compromising consumer protections.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on SF3432 5/15/26
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the conference committee for the safety and security bill.
- On line 10, $4 million in safe and secure courthouse grants.
- This includes security threat response.
- On line 10, 4 million in safe and secure On line 10, 4 million in safe and secure courthouse<00:
- Next we'll move to the safety and security budget agreement.
Summary:
The Conference Committee on Senate File 3432 met on May 15, 2026, and first approved a motion to continue meeting past midnight. Members then reviewed the public safety and judiciary budget agreement, including funding for non-fatal shooting clearance grants, a domestic violence task force, services for released adults and juveniles, trafficking prevention for youth, corrections bed impacts from assault and theft-related provisions, increased Philando Castile training reimbursements, and transfers into the Victims of Crime Account. The committee also noted that some items were removed because they had already passed as stand-alone bills, including impersonation of a peace officer and the grooming penalty, and that the first responder uniform ID task force would not be funded in this bill.
Policy provisions discussed for the public safety side included a domestic violence response task force, trafficking and sexual exploitation prevention grants, juvenile re-entry services, the Minnesota clearance grant program, the Philando Castile Memorial Training Fund, confidentiality for victim statements to the Clemency Review Commission, the fourth-degree assault amendment for hospital or clinic security guards, the enhanced penalty for theft from a vulnerable adult, child sexual abuse material venue and evidence provisions, and revised language on prediction markets and the Attorney General’s administrative subpoena authority. The chair also said the committee had to make late fixes to some stakeholder-requested changes and expressed frustration about the timing.
The committee then reviewed the safety and security budget agreement, which included funding for judicial security, a judicial security unit, security threat response, safe and secure courthouse grants, appeals court and district court security, state patrol deficiency funding, capital security screening and enhancements, legislative protective services, BCA threat assessment and investigation, a security services task force, legislative security reimbursements, and security for constitutional officers. The agreement also included technical court reallocation adjustments and DNR carry-forward authority for certain non-budgeted public safety costs incurred in 2026. After no public testimony was offered, the committee adopted both the public safety budget agreement and the safety and security budget agreement, directed non-partisan staff to prepare the conference committee report with technical and conforming changes, and then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- While Social Security is foundational to the health and economic security of so many Californians, the
- While Social Security is foundational to the health and economic security of so many Californians, the
- Social Security changed that.
- One in six Californians receives Social Security.
- Clearly, Social Security deserves to be supported.
Summary:
The committee heard several labor and employment measures. AB 465 would require local public employers, at a union’s request, to negotiate minimum disciplinary and grievance procedures in MOUs, including progressive discipline, just-cause protections, grievance appeal rights, and paid release time for representatives. Supporters, including AFSCME and SEIU, said it would create fairer and more consistent due process protections for local government workers; opponents from county and city groups argued it would impose binding arbitration and rigid discipline rules that could undermine local flexibility and accountability. The bill passed on a 5-0 vote and was re-referred to Appropriations.
AB 792 would allow court interpreter bargaining to be consolidated when multiple regions are negotiating at the same time. The author and the California Federation of Interpreters said the change would reduce repeated bargaining, improve efficiency, and help address interpreter recruitment and retention. There was no opposition, but some members questioned whether the proposal would really solve wage and staffing problems; the bill passed 5-0 and was placed on hold. AB 1309, which would improve Cal Fire firefighter compensation by tying salaries more closely to comparable local fire departments, drew strong support from firefighters and no opposition. Members praised Cal Fire’s work and the bill passed 7-0 and was held for add-ons.
The committee also approved AJR 8, a resolution urging protection of Social Security and opposing federal cuts or office closures. Supporters said Social Security is essential to seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and children, and warned that reductions would increase poverty and homelessness. One member objected to naming political figures in the resolution, but the measure still passed 7-0 and was held. AB 1247, which would require contracted-out school classified workers to meet the same training and qualification standards as direct hires and address related retirement contributions, passed 5-2 despite opposition from county superintendents and school administrators who said it would add costs and limit contracting flexibility. Finally, AB 288, which would authorize PERB to act when the NLRB fails to remedy labor claims by a deadline, passed 6-0 with strong union support and no opposition.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration - 01/30/26
Rules and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- capital security um and capital security capital security um and capital security is<00:07:42.720
- Minnesota Senate Building Security Minnesota Senate Building Security Policy.
- in their homes, member security online, member security in the Senate building.
- in their homes, member security online, member security in the Senate building. ...member security in
- their homes, member security online, member security in the Senate building.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes bill to fund enhanced security at State Capitol, courtrooms 5/6/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- First, there is funding in this bill for judicial security and courthouse security.
- >
people <00:04:01.840>can This security ensures that people can This security ensures - . sense of security.
- , security, security, security<01:38:05.600>
at <01:38:05.920>the <01:38:06.080>capital - personal security because I'm the legis. personal security because I'm the legis.
Summary:
The House took up Senate File 3432, a public safety bill focused on removing identifying equipment and insignia from emergency vehicles sold to the public, and first adopted a House language amendment to bring the Senate file into the House form. Representative Mhler and co-chair Noatne described the bill as part of a broader security package covering judicial security and courthouse grants, Capitol grounds screening and security hardware, short-term protection for legislators facing credible threats, reimbursement for Department of Public Safety costs, and additional BCA analysts and investigators to examine threats statewide. They emphasized that the measures were intended to protect not only legislators but also staff, visitors, and the public, and the amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Representative Schultz then offered an amendment to expand Capitol grounds protections by making destruction of permitted displays on the grounds automatically count as felony-level property damage. He argued that current enforcement is inconsistent and that the change would better protect First Amendment displays and ensure accountability. Schultz later withdrew that amendment after discussion.
Schultz next offered another amendment aimed at school safety, proposing an increase in safe schools revenue and extending funding to charter, nonpublic, and tribal schools. He said the money could support school resource officers, mental health staff, counselors, and building security improvements, and argued that school safety should be prioritized alongside Capitol security. A point of order was raised that the amendment was not germane because it introduced a new subject and education funding; the Speaker agreed, ruled the point of order well taken, and the ruling was appealed, prompting a roll call. Representative Long supported the ruling, saying the amendment belonged in a different bill and committee, while Schultz argued the chamber should still address school safety. The transcript ends during the appeal process.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- contract this idea of a Securities contract this idea of a Securities entitlement<01:33:20.320><
- What do securities firms do? They borrow money using securities.
- What do securities firms do? They borrow money using securities.
- Although banks do sometimes borrow with securities, a secured lender in the securities market has to
- security.
Summary:
The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 167, which would add ski, snowboard, and boat wax containing PFAS to the state’s consumer-product restrictions. The sponsor argued the product is already banned in many places, has PFAS-free alternatives, and is used in ways that can directly contaminate water rather than landfills. She cited high PFAS levels in several New Hampshire lakes and said the bill was a simple extension of prior PFAS legislation. A witness also described a personal experience where a liquid ski wax disappeared from the market and later returned, likely because of PFAS concerns. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 167 without a vote.
The committee then opened a hearing on House Bill 312, dealing with college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Representative Moffett said the bill was modeled on New Jersey law and intended to let student-athletes earn compensation from NIL without losing institutional scholarships, while also requiring licensed representation and setting limits on certain endorsements. He described the measure as proactive because NIL rules are evolving and could create conflicts among schools and future lawsuits. Members questioned whether the bill should apply to two-year institutions, whether it should exclude firearms and weapons, and whether the scholarship protections would cover need-based or academic aid as well as athletic scholarships. Moffett said the scholarship language was intended to protect scholarships generally, but not need-based aid specifically, and he acknowledged discomfort with some of the endorsement restrictions.
Public testimony on HB 312 was mixed. One supporter, a former Division III athlete and coach, backed the bill but urged removal of a section allowing institutions or athletic bodies to use an athlete’s NIL without compensation, arguing most New Hampshire athletes do not receive NIL money and should not have to work extra jobs to cover basic expenses. The chair also raised concerns about the bill’s contractual and identity-rights implications, referencing prior committee work on a J.D. Salinger-related identity case and noting the committee had previously declined to get involved in similar contractual disputes. No vote was taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Public Safety Previews New Weapons Screening at State Capitol - 02/13/26
Transcript Highlights:
- troopers or Capitol security officers. troopers or Capitol security officers.
- Screening is a everyone feels secure.
- Weapons screening is a common security Weapons screening is a common security tool<00:07:52.240>
used - <00:10:27.680>
or process again you'll alert security or process again you'll alert security - So this offers a few security layers.
Summary:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogoich announced that weapon screening will begin Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol, at the start of the 2026 legislative session. They said the change is based on an independent security assessment and the Axtell report’s top recommendation, and is intended as an added layer of protection rather than a weapons ban or a change in state law. Both officials emphasized that the Capitol should remain open, accessible, and welcoming while reducing preventable risks, citing increased threats nationwide and the recent murders of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman.
Officials said visitors will enter through four public access points, with all other exterior doors closed to public entry. The primary entrance will be the south ground-level entrance, with additional access through tunnels connecting to the Senate building, State Office Building, Parking Lot C, and the Judicial Center. They said the screening process should take only seconds for most people, with bags scanned separately and additional checks only if needed. Prohibited items will not be stored by the Capitol, and the public was told to plan ahead, carry fewer items, and follow staff instructions. The Capitol will close to the general public at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays unless legislative business is still underway, in which case accommodations will be made.
In questions, officials said people with valid permit-to-carry authorization may still bring a firearm if it is otherwise legal, but they must declare the permit, show government ID, and go through screening. Elected officials are exempt and will have a separate lane, while staff will be screened. They also said the tunnels will be locked with restricted key-card access, and that the Senate is implementing its own screening, with questions about Senate doors referred there. Jacobson said the State Patrol will cover the costs within its existing budget, and that the process will be evaluated and adjusted as needed to keep it efficient and not a deterrent to visitors.