Facilities and Security
They are often called the "temples of democracy." State capitols or state houses are the places where the legislatures tend to the business of the people. The beauty and grandeur of these buildings add an air of importance to the work that takes place there.
In order to conduct the business of the legislature, the capitol buildings must be maintained, upgraded to accommodate current technology, and secured to ensure that the public, and the occupants are safe to conduct state business.
Management of the buildings includes allocation of space to the executive branch and to the legislature; issuing permits for public events or demonstrations; and caring for the structure and grounds.
Restoration
Restoration and/or renovation of a State Capitol is a huge undertaking. The costs can be enormous in both time and money. Some of the earliest restorations of capitols still in use took place in the 1970s and 1980s. Though a complete restoration project can be difficult to get approved, some states have accomplished it in recent years.
NCSL has offered sessions at the NCSL Annual Meeting and published articles in State Legislatures Magazine on Capitol Restoration.
Security
In the late 1960s and early 1970s a number of violent events caused legislatures to implement what might be thought of as the "first wave" of legislative security. Bombings of the Senate Chamber in Louisiana in 1970 and the U.S. Capitol in 1971 and anti-war demonstrations in numerous capitols across the country led to widespread concern for the safety of legislators, legislative staff and the public. In response, numerous state legislatures began to tighten security. These security measures were revisited following the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City; and again following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Since 1973, NCSL's National Legislative Services and Security Association (NLSSA) has provided training to its members in security issues unique to the legislature.
State legislatures face great expectations for public access to government services and they have given high priority to delivering these services to promote a government readily accessible and responsive to its citizens. The significance of these efforts serves as a reminder of the balance that must be perpetuated in maintaining public safety for legislators and staff while also encouraging citizen participation in the legislative process.
Continuity of Government
Maintaining continuity of government during emergency situations is of growing concern to the states. Many legislatures have enacted legislation that provides clear instruction for lines of succession should members of the legislature or other elected officials be unable to perform their duties. They may also direct the relocation of state or local government when necessary.
Homeland Security
State offices of homeland security were created to act as liaisons to the U.S. Office of Homeland Security. NCSL tracks state action on homeland security and federal funding that assists the states in that action.
Kae Warnock in the NCSL Legislative Management Program conducts research and provides assistance on security, restoration and other topics relevant to the management of state capitols and may be reached at 303-364-7700 or mailto:legislatures-info@ncsl.org?subject=[security]. |
