People heading to North Carolina’s Legislative Building will notice new security measures starting next week. Metal detectors and X-ray machines are heading to each of the building’s entrances, according to a news release from legislative staff.
“The General Assembly has committed to implementing new security measures for the Legislative Building for the protection of members, staff, and the public,” according to the two-paragraph release. “The new security measures will be similar to those of county, state, and federal buildings, and members of the public will be screened prior to entry.”
The release from Legislative Services Officer Paul Coble also addresses continued access to the Jones Street building that houses N.C. House and Senate chambers, along with committee meeting rooms and some state legislators’ offices.
“The Legislative Building for the General Assembly has always been the ‘People’s Building,’ and all members of the public, including daily school group tours, will continue to have access to their government and the legislative process,” according to the release. “Our goal is to make the building safe for all who have business with the General Assembly, as well as for the members, staff, press, and citizens of the State of North Carolina.”
Neither the Legislative Building nor the nearby Legislative Office Building has had any screening measures in the past.