Overview

• The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security met for the second time since June’s attacks and heard NCSL findings that most state capitols use metal detectors and many ban firearms.
• Survey details presented to the panel: 30 of 38 states report using metal detectors and bag checks, and 27 of 41 prohibit firearms at their capitols; Minnesota does neither.
• State Patrol reported 45 Capitol-related threat assessments so far this year, up from 19 last year, and said a third‑party security review is underway with a report expected in November.
• Hiring is in progress for 19 open Capitol security positions, with offers expected within weeks, and officials said more troopers are being assigned to the complex.
• Republican members signaled resistance to metal detectors and gun restrictions, and leaders acknowledged logistical and cost challenges across the 15-building complex even as a new poll shows strong public support for detectors.