SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A bill arming legislators failed today but another arming the sergeant at arms moves to the Senate.
Sponsor of both measures, Senator Brock Greenfield of Clark says the Capitol in Pierre is the most wide open in America. Greenfield told committe members that two years down the road he doesn't want to say I told you so. He hopes that his plans never have to be used.
Highway Patrol Major Dana Svendsen says Capitol security is good. The Highway Patrol is in charge of security during session. Svendsen say the Patrol increases trooper strength during the session and that includes plainclothes troopers you don't see but are armed.
Svendsen says the Department of Public Safety prefers having a voice in legislation concerning security in the Capitol.