At the Alaska Capitol, it’s no longer an open-door policy. The Alaska Legislative Council, chaired by Rep. Sara Hannan (D-Juneau) voted 9-4 to enact restrictions on public access to the Capitol.
Effective immediately, all visitors will be required to pass through metal detectors, or be subjected to a pat-down.
“It’s a real shame to see this historical treasure bow to a liberal agenda that prioritizes control over community,” said Rep. Kevin McCabe of Big Lake, “Alaskans deserve a Capitol that remains truly theirs, not one gated off by unnecessary barriers.”
The new policy, adopted on Seward’s Day, March 31, is indicative of the Democratic Party’s takeover of the Legislature.
The matter was considered but not approved at an earlier meeting of the Legislative Council late in 2024.
Rep. Cathy Tilton said she was disappointed.
“During my years as a member of the Legislative Council (of which I am no longer a member), I consistently opposed efforts to make visiting the capitol more cumbersome for Alaskans. Visiting Juneau is already difficult and costly enough. Unfortunately, on a 9-4 vote the Legislative Council approved a new screening policy for visitors. Visitors are defined as individuals who come through the main entrance and do not have electronic access to the building. The policy stipulates that visitors will be screened from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm (M-F) and must submit to screening through a magnetometer or a physical pat down. No doubt this will have a chilling effect, especially for large groups, wishing to talk with their legislators,” she said.
You know is a Progressive city. There should have been metal detectors and the sort years ago. Progressives are violent. Especially when you don’t agree with them.
I have to go again here. What are they afraid of? Their supporters mixing up their hormone therapy with the their antidepressants?
Sadly, it’s the world we all live in now. And having 400M guns in the country doesn’t help matters.
Exactly Whidbey! It’s the guns! They’re everywhere and assaulting people all by themselves! Only the government should have guns obviously. History proves we can always trust the government to keep us safe and never abuse the populace ice it is disarmed and completely reliant on government. Your government-directed “education” showing much?
Gee! What could they possibly be scared of?
Bingo
I was just there visiting my wife who is working there in a staff position. Don’t worry she only receive’s 30$ per day per diem for food and lodging, any way it was before this started. That whole town is a liberal sh– hole. Juneau is a mini Seattle/Portland. I saw more pride flags, protesters, activists, LGBTQ people running around than the valley and Anchorage put together. No wonder our state is screwed.
Then they should revoke all electronic lock access for all. If the public must go through screening, all should be subjected to it. These people are all public servants.
As a long-time Juneau resident, one who has worked against the capital move each time it was on the ballot (1982 and 2002 are the times I recall) I think this action, as instigated by Juneau Representative Sara Hannan, signals that a capital move must be again considered. But Anchorage is worse than Juneau so far as woke, gender-confuses, etc: Look at the Anchorage Assembly! And Fairbanks, because of its weak and outrageously expensive state university is even worse although it likely will be remedied when Alaska can no longer afford to have a state university. All that said, Juneau would be a better place today if more of the legislators sent to Juneau were better Alaskans!
That’s why we wanted it moved to Willow, not ANC.
Speaks volumes. Scared of their own constituents.
Why the pushback? This makes perfect sense. Look what Liberal Dems do now when they’re angered by someone. Perfect example are the attacks on Tesla…guns, fires, vandalism. No one has a problem going through security when flying, what’s the problem here?
As a proud Juneauite: please take the damn thing.
Repugnant gulag thinking of Juneau. Have fun in your gulag.
I really enjoyed the freedom to wander in & out of the Capitol when we were there for hockey about 8 years ago. Each floor was like a mini museum w/ different themes. I walked into a session at midnight and hung out; it was like watching paint dry (yes that entertaining) I think they need the security now though, as the “wingnut” party seems to be getting more restless.
The nut population is up! Nothing wrong with preventing weapons in the capital.
From what I could hear of the meeting, Carrick, Prax, Kiehl and Kopp were the No’s.
Lousy Fascists!
So these cowardly legislators will have all this grand security while simultaneously considering a “Red Flag” gun confiscation protective order Statute for us lowly subjects deemed a threat to society via anonymous tip? You don’t actually have to commit a crime. Just be scary or eccentric. No one like that in Alaska I’m sure. Confiscation without due process leaves people, their families and property vulnerable to crime. But don’t worry, the troopers might only be hours away. The hypocrisy in Juneau is mind blowing.