Panel urges more guards at Minn. Capitol

An advisory task force has forwarded proposed legislation to Minnesota lawmakers that would dramatically expand the Capitol complex security force.

The recommendations adopted Monday seek an undetermined amount of funding to hire an emergency manager and nearly double the number of uniformed officers at the Capitol and 16 nearby buildings.

The move would expand the ranks of state troopers from two to 12 and other security personnel from 40 to 67.

Minnesota Capitol visitors and staff don't pass through metal detectors and the panel didn't recommend a change. It suggested the Department of Administration rank and price out various security infrastructure upgrades.

The legislation heads to House and Senate committees for debate in a months-long session that begins Tuesday.