State Capitol gets upgraded security

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Though the State Capitol is relatively quiet outside of the legislative session, Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, said the shooting incident that happened there in January proves that it is not safe.

"The fact of the matter is he got into a building," said Rodriguez. "He got into a senator's office and there really isn't any reason to believe something like that couldn't happen again."

Ever since the incident happened, Rodriguez has been fighting for better communication and more security at the Capitol and other state buildings.

"My office got an e-mail 30 to 40 minutes after the incident happened, saying 'we are on lockdown,'" said Rodriguez. "That's a long time for that information to get out."

Rodriguez sent letters with five or six sugestions to Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker Joe Straus. On Monday, a response letter was sent back.

All three state leaders signed a letter sent to Steven McGraw, Director of DPS. It lists several security measures the state wants in place, including more bike patrol, digital instead of analog security cameras, more emergency and medical equipment as well as bomb-sniffing dogs and expanded training for Capitol security.

"We're also going to do CPR training for members and staff when session starts," said Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth.

Geren is Chair of the House Administration committee and has been working with state leaders on security upgrades over the last several weeks. But, when asked if these measures are in response to the shooting incident, he said no.

"These are suggestions that were made by the Secret Service years ago," he said. "We are updating a lot of things we already have in place."

One upgrade that is not being suggested yet is metal detectors. Many lawmakers are reluctant to put them in place for fear of angering gun rights' activists. But, Rep. Rodriguez said there could be a compromise.

"I'm not suggesting that we wouldn't allow someone who has a concealed handgun license in," he said. "We just want to make sure if there is someone who doesn't have it - that person might want to do some bad things to people at the Capitol."

The House and Senate Administration committees will meet on March 22 with DPS to get details on the cost of the new security measures requested. There could be additional ones made in the future.