MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont lawmakers will return to Montpelier in just two weeks for the new legislative biennium, and this session visitors to the Statehouse may see beefed-up security.
The Statehouse is commonly referred to as “The People’s House,” and is one of the most accessible in the country. But on certain days this upcoming session, the security posture may be a little tighter.
After years of discussions about safety, Statehouse authorities this fall began testing metal detectors and x-ray machines that they say will be deployed at high-profile events. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are working to maintain the safety and security of everyone in this building,” said Capitol Police Sgt. Sara Macera.
The Vermont Capitol has a robust history of protests over the decades, including staking out the Statehouse lawn and occasionally disrupting speeches on the House floor. But concerns about threats and violence have bubbled up, including in the wake of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
House Speaker Jill Krowinksi, D-Burlington, says those increased threats have continued. “I feel like we have gone through an increase of a certain amount of events that have taken place that has asked us to rethink and reimagine what we can do to make sure we are keeping everyone safe in the building,” she said.
On a handful of days where there may be threats, larger events, or contentious public hearings, authorities say there may be a single point of entry, where Capitol Police will screen bags of people without state or legislative IDs. The upper balcony of both chambers may also be closed to the public.
Vermont remains one of a handful of Statehouses without active screening or security checkpoints. “We’re just trying to catch up with the rest of the country, but also not limit people’s access to their legislators and what’s being discussed in this building,” Sgt. Macera said.
Krowinski says it isn’t intended to restrict access. “This isn’t going to change the vibe of the building or the availability to be in a committee room or on the floor watching action,” she said.
The legislative session kicks off in January.