DPS ends 'stupid' screenings at governor's mansion

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — State officials say they're ending a "stupid" policy that required lawmakers to submit to background checks each time they entered the Texas governor's mansion.

The change announced Tuesday comes after lawmakers last week angrily complained of having to wait for state troopers to screen them before entering the newly renovated mansion, which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2008.

The mansion reopened in July. Steve McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, told a House committee that the background-check policy was deemed "stupid" after being re-evaluated last week.

McCraw said current elected state lawmakers and congressional members are now exempt. Everyone else must still submit to background checks.