The Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced new security measures this week at the Minnesota State Capitol following a security breach in July. Major changes include public entrances being reduced from three (14 total doors) to just two entrances (four total doors), and access from the Minnesota Senate Building (MSB) ramp—where the Capitol’s 20 disability parking spots are located—will now require visitors to request an escort from Capitol Security to enter through the tunnel.

Senator Rich Draheim (R–Madison Lake) raised concerns about how these changes will affect Capitol access for Minnesotans with mobility challenges or disabilities.

“I support making the Capitol safer, especially given everything that’s happened this summer,” said Sen. Draheim. “But we have to think carefully about how these changes affect people with mobility issues. Right now, there’s only 20 disability parking spots under the MSB. Adding an escort requirement creates a new barrier for Minnesotans just trying to participate in their government.

“I’ve been trying to do something about accessibility parking at the Capitol for nine years. It’s the people’s house. We make all these changes to the Mall, to the landscaping, but we don’t add more accessibility parking. We put more thought into a statue than we do just giving access to people who want to come participate in government.

“Everyone, regardless of physical ability, should have equal access to the Capitol. I look forward to a full review of accessibility measures at the Capitol to ensure safety improvements don’t come at the cost of inclusion.”

Regular business hours at the Capitol remain 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The Capitol is closed to the general public on Sundays. Read more about the changes here.