House lawmakers advance bill to boost spending on Capitol security

Using solemn tones, Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL-Shoreview) spoke Monday before the House Ways and Means Committee where members approved spending $24.2 million this biennium on enhanced security measures at the State Capitol and state courts.

“As we all know, in Minnesota and across the country, political violence is all too real,” she said. “It’s really important that we make sure that this is a safe space.”

Heading to the House Floor is the Moller-sponsored HF3230 that, as amended, would appropriate funding to keep in place the extra Capitol security personnel and screening stations at entrances to the building that were installed before the first day of the 2026 session.

Total expenditures to maintain operations of extra Capitol Security personnel and screening stations at entrances to the building are $15.1 million in the current biennium and $13.2 million in each subsequent biennium.

[MORE: View the spreadsheet]

The heightened security measures were authorized by an executive order issued by Gov. Tim Walz on Jan. 26, and were put in place following the tragic events of June 14, 2025, when Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband, Mark, and dog, Gilbert were killed, and Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin) and his wife, Yvette, were wounded by a gunman at their front door.

It’s critical that lawmakers and their staff, plus children on field trips, citizens meeting with their representatives, and people attending rallies all feel safe while on the Capitol Complex, Moller said, before adding the extra security will have wider, long-term implications.

“If individuals don’t run for office because they fear doing so because of political violence or threats, then democracy loses,” she said.

Court concerns

Judges and other judicial staff are also facing increasing threats of violence, Moller said.

To that end, the bill would provide $4 million in Fiscal Year 2027 to fund the Safe and Secure Courthouse Initiative, a competitive grant program to fund courthouse security assessments, equipment, technology, construction, or training needs.

An $843,000 appropriation in Fiscal Year 2027 would be available for judges and other judicial staff to buy home security systems and pay for monthly security monitoring services. Ongoing costs are projected at $467,000 per year.

Enhanced security services would be provided to members of the House and Senate, paid for by a $1.77 million appropriation this biennium and $1.74 million in each forthcoming biennium starting in 2028-29.

Policy provisions

The bill would authorize that, upon request of a legislative leader, the Department of Public Safety can direct the State Patrol to provide personal security and protection for legislators.

And two annual legislative reports on Capitol Security to be delivered to the Legislature: a public report containing general security information would summarize any credible threats and security assessments, without disclosing sensitive information, and a confidential report for top legislative leaders that would contain detailed security information, including descriptions of any identified security vulnerabilities and proposed steps to eliminate or mitigate those vulnerabilities.

The responsibilities of the Capitol Security would broaden to include legislative security under a new Legislative Services Unit to be overseen by a peace office in the State Patrol.

And the bill would establish a security services task force with the following duties:

• reviewing national best practices;
• advising on the new Legislative Services Unit;
• assisting in development of communication protocols;
• analyzing information technology for security services communications; and
• evaluating methods of security services to the Legislature and personal protection to legislators.

A report would be due to the Legislature by Feb. 1, 2027.