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Committee advances security package that funds courthouse grants, Capitol hardening and threat‑assessment teams
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Summary
House File 3230 bundled several security measures — courthouse security grants, expanded legislative/home security, capital‑grounds hardening, MOUs with local law enforcement and BCA threat‑assessment funding. A DE6 amendment reflecting agreed allocations passed by voice vote and the committee referred the bill to the general register.
Co‑chairs presented House File 3230 as a consolidated security package that includes funding for courthouse security grants, additional home security for judges and legislative staff, screening and hardening of the Capitol grounds and money for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) threat‑assessment team.
Chair Novotny said the package responds to an increase in political violence and aims to protect staff, judges and the public who visit the Capitol grounds. "When individuals don't run for office because they fear doing so ... democracy loses," the sponsor said.
Representative West and several members raised concerns about balancing security and public access — noting metal detectors and scanners had been installed by executive decision and asking whether the legislature would retain authority over such measures. Chair Novotny said the existing bill does not change the decision authority but funds the current measures; members were told provisions in the bill clarify who is in charge and direct training and coordination.
A DE6 amendment that reflects allocations and recent agreements passed by voice vote; the committee renewed the motion to place HF3230 on the general register and the motion passed by voice vote.
What happens next: HF3230 was recommended for placement on the general register for further floor consideration.
