Virtual File - Item

Text: Title: Weapon Detection System Use Policy
Date Issued: 02/16/2026
Authority: Speaker of the House
1. Scope:
This policy applies to all individuals who request entrance into the House Viewing Gallery on any day a weapons detection system is directed to be operational, effective February 17, 2026, and ending January 4, 2027.
2. Authority:
This policy is issued by the Speaker of the House, consistent with the authorities granted by Article IV, sections 7 and 25 of the Minnesota Constitution and House Rule 7.01.
3. System Operation; authorized personnel:
A weapons detection system must be operational on days when the House is scheduled to meet in session, provided that its use may be suspended for portions of those days at the direction of the Speaker of the House. The system may also be operated during special events or on other days the House Chamber is in use, at the direction of the Speaker of the House.
Use of the system must adhere to all requirements and protections contained in the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, and applicable state and federal law.
Only personnel trained in accordance with the manufacturer guidelines are authorized to operate the system. Initial training and updates must be provided to the Chief Sergeant at Arms by the manufacturer. Additional personnel may be trained and authorized by the Chief Sergeant at Arms and Deputy Chief Sergeant at Arms. It is the responsibility of trained personnel to ensure the system is active and operating properly. Regular calibration and testing must be conducted following the manufacturer guidelines by personnel designated by the Chief Sergeant at Arms. The system must be staffed under the direction of the Minnesota State Patrol and the House Chief Sergeant at Arms.
Lisa M. Demuth
Speaker of the House
District 13A
Minnesota
House of
Representatives
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Rep.Lisa.Demuth@house.mn.gov | 651-296-4373
Centennial Office Building, 2nd Floor | 658 Cedar Street, Saint Paul, MN 55155
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4. Prohibited items; compliance.
The weapons detection system must be used to detect dangerous weapons, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 609.02, subdivision 6, and other items identified by the Commissioner of Administration as prohibited in the State Capitol Building. When a potentially dangerous weapon or other prohibited item is detected, the subject must be required to complete additional screening steps to verify the nature of the item and whether the subject is lawfully authorized to possess it in the Capitol Building.
If a subject does not comply with the weapons detection system screening process, the person must be denied admittance to the House Public Gallery. If a subject is found to be in possession of a dangerous weapon or other prohibited item without lawful authority to do so, the person must be denied admittance to the House Public Gallery and must also be referred to the State Patrol for further action.
5. Notification Process:
Signs notifying visitors of the use of the weapons detection system and the requirements for screening must be placed in conspicuous areas near the entry to the House Public Gallery.
6. Screening exceptions:
The following people are exempt from the screening requirements of this policy:
1. Staff working under the authority of the Sergeant-at-Arms, as designated by the House Chief Sergeant at Arms.
2. Staff working under authority of the Chief Clerk, as designated by the Chief Clerk of the House.
3. Minnesota State Patrol personnel as designated by the Minnesota State Patrol Captain of Capitol Security.
4. The governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and state auditor of the State of Minnesota.
5. The chief justice and associate justices of the Minnesota Supreme Court.
6. Elected members of the Minnesota Senate and the Minnesota House of
Representatives.
7. Persons being escorted by a Minnesota State Patrol trooper.
8. Licensed peace officers entering the Minnesota State Capitol Building in the course of their official duties who provide their department-issued credentials and are authorized access by a state trooper or Capitol security officer.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Rep.Lisa.Demuth@house.mn.gov | 651-296-4373
Centennial Office Building, 2nd Floor | 658 Cedar Street, Saint Paul, MN 55155
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9. First responders entering the Minnesota State Capitol Building in the course of their official duties in response to an emergency.
10. Federally authorized law enforcement agents when present in the Minnesota State Capitol Building pursuant to their official duties, if they are authorized by law to carry weapons and they provide their federal department-issued credentials to a state trooper or Capitol security officer upon entry.
Sincerely,
Representative Lisa M. Demuth
Speaker of the House
District 13A