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.
