Lawmakers organize Joint Committee on Capitol Security, elect Bratton chair and move into closed session on inauguration plans

Senator Bratton was elected chairman of the Joint Committee on Capitol Security during an organizational meeting of the Missouri General Assembly, and the committee voted to move into a closed session to address law-enforcement-sensitive security planning related to the upcoming Jan. 13 inauguration and inaugural ball.

The committee, convened to review the operation and supervision of the state capitol and its security apparatus, was created under statutory committee authority. Senator Bratton said members and staff have raised concerns that recent actions "have potentially hampered the capability of members and staff alike to be efficiently and effectively able to perform and and be a part of the solution in in the security apparatus of this building." The committee's stated focus includes reviewing entry screening practices and notification procedures for threats.

By roll call, the committee recorded "6 aye" for the motion electing Senator Bratton chairman. The panel then nominated and confirmed…