The Legislative Council, which handles various administrative duties for the Alaska Legislature, was set to award a bid that would set up security screening like that found at most airports — X-ray machines and pat-downs for those who refuse walking though a metal detector.
But after meeting in executive session on Thursday, the council could not come to an agreement. No machines will be at the entryway of the Capitol in Juneau, and there won’t be special color-coded badges and the ability to avoid screening for lobbyists and state employees. Only visitors would be screened under the proposed policy, which was supported by Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson and Senate President Gary Stevens, but opposed by Sen. Jesse Kiehl.
Alaska’s capitol building is one of a handful around the country that do not screen people as they enter. Several lawmakers in the capitol are known to be strong supporters of the Second Amendment and some may keep a firearm on them.
The Legislative Council voted to move the Capitol mailroom to an off-site location out of an abundance of caution. It has been on the main entry floor for generations.
Watch the Legislative Council’s public portion of the meeting at this link.
