Senator says Legislature will seek enhanced security at state Capitol

People could see enhanced security at the Nebraska State Capitol in the near future, the head of the Legislature’s Executive Board said Tuesday.

Sen. Ben Hansen announced Tuesday that the Legislature is working to enhance security at the Nebraska State Capitol.

Hansen said in light of recent acts of political violence in nearby states and across the country, the Legislature is taking the lead to provide a safe environment for government officials, state employees and members of the public.

He said the Legislature has been working with Capitol Security and the two other branches – executive and judicial – to determine what additional security measures are needed.

Hansen said any building-wide changes approved next year would not be implemented until 2027, but the public should be prepared for as-yet unspecified steps to enhance security for legislative proceedings before then. The Legislature is scheduled to reconvene Jan. 7.