Disability advocacy groups are gearing up for the 2026 legislative session, drafting bills and setting agendas. They are also preparing for new capitol complex security measures. These could impact visits to hearings and events, including large-scale rallies.
Changes in security have been discussed for some time. The issue took on much more urgency after the June assassination of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the attack on Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. That tragedy was followed by an incident in which a man repeatedly breached security and entered the capitol.
Look for further measures as the Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security does its work, reviewing issues when it met August 19. It’s not clear if additional revisions will be made before state lawmakers convene in February for the 2026 session.
Challenges faced by people with disabilities in security systems are wide-ranging. The most typical experiences people cite are with airport security checkpoints. Past experiences have raised issues of personal dignity. There is also the factor of additional time needed to be screened.
People with difficulty standing or walking and have difficulties going through metal detectors, and sometimes must have pat-down searches. Many types of accommodations and medical devices can cause delays when people are screened.
Visual and auditory barriers with communication and sensory disabilities can also result in miscommunication or delays in getting through security.
As of August 6, fewer capitol doors can be used by the public, as a result of efforts by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS). More door alarms are in place. Additional security officers are being hired.
The capitol has 14 doors. Three public entrances were in place. Those are reduced to two entrances with four doors in use. The doors are on the south side of the capitol.
Access is changed for the Minnesota Senate Building ramp to and from the capitol. The ramp is where the capitol’s 20 disability parking spaces are located.
Visitors who use the ramp are now required to seek an escort from capitol security to enter through the tunnel.
“I support making the capitol safer, especially given everything that’s happened this summer. But we have to think carefully about how these changes affect people with mobility issues.”
– Sen. Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake)
The access changes were recommended by the Minnesota State Patrol and approved by DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson.
“The capitol is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of democracy and a place where Minnesotans come to be heard,” Jacobson said. “These updated security measures reflect our responsibility and commitment to protecting everyone who works at or visits the capitol while keeping the building open and accessible to all. We remain committed to continuously reviewing and improving security protocols.”
The doors, open during regular business hours, are at the main south entrance at the top of the capitol steps and at the ground-level accessible entrance beneath the capitol steps through the middle set of two doors. Security officers will have an increased presence at both public entrances. All other access points to the capitol building during public hours are restricted to key card entry only.
Additional measures are being considered by the board. It is chaired by Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. A wide range of ideas have been discussed including a ban on weapons, weapons detection technology, bag checks and metal detectors. Any changes that require funding or state law changes would have to go through a legislative review and approval process.
Gov. Tim Walz is already a proponent of banning firearms from the capitol complex and installing metal detectors in the capitol building. Most states already have metal detectors at their capitols.
Sen. Rich Draheim (R–Madison Lake) questioned how the recently enacted changes will affect capitol access for Minnesotans with mobility challenges or disabilities.
“I support making the capitol safer, especially given everything that’s happened this summer,” said Draheim. “But we have to think carefully about how these changes affect people with mobility issues. . . Adding an escort requirement creates a new barrier for Minnesotans just trying to participate in their government.
“I’ve been trying to do something about accessibility parking at the capitol for nine years,” he said. “Everyone, regardless of physical ability, should have equal access to the capitol. I look forward to a full review of accessibility measures at the capitol to ensure safety improvements don’t come at the cost of inclusion.”
Learn more about the Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security and follow changes at the ACCAS website.
