Senate Media Services

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety today announced new security measures at the State Capitol during a press conference. The new safety protocols will begin next Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the start of the 2026 Legislative Session. Under the new protocols, visitors will only be allowed to enter through four public access points where they will be screened; all other entrances will be locked to public entry. Visitors will be required to enter and exit through the designated doors, except in emergencies. The south ground-level entrance beneath the front steps will be the primary entry. Additional access will be through tunnels connecting the Capitol to the Senate building, the State Office building, Parking Lot C, and the Judicial Center. All entrances are ADA accessible, and staff will be at each entry to guide visitors. The screening process will require visitors to walk through metal detectors; bags and large items will be scanned on the X-ray conveyer belt, similar to airport security. Most visitors, however, will not need to remove shoes or jackets. Officials said the measures follow last year’s June 14 attacks, “Implementing weapons screening at the Capitol is a proactive step to keep visitors, staff, and elected officials safe,” said Commissioner Bob Jacobson. The Capitol will closed at 4:30 p.m. each weekday. However, when legislative hearings or sessions are held at later times, accommodations will be made at the access points. For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.

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