Overview
- The House, which voted 92-42 on Wednesday, approved a plan to keep weapons screening at the Capitol and to authorize temporary State Patrol protection when a credible threat arises.
- The bill sets aside about $24 million in the current two-year budget to staff metal detectors and patrol posts at the Capitol.
- It also orders a clearer policing chain of command, new reporting on threats and security, a safety task force, and contact rules so law enforcement can reach top officials in emergencies.
- State data show threat reports to the State Patrol jumped to 93 last year, with 78 more filed so far in 2026, reinforcing calls for sustained security.
- Because the Senate passed a different version last week, a conference committee will seek a compromise as Republicans question costs, public access, and the lack of parallel school safety funding.