Committee backs broader capital-area safety drills but flags participation challenges

The Advisory Committee on Capital Area Security on Nov. 21 examined proposed language recommending regular, trauma-informed safety drills and scenario-based training for elected members, staff and building tenants across the Capitol complex.

Sergeant at Arms advisers told the committee the draft calls for specifying the types and regularity of drills and for encouraging participation by legislators, staff and tenants, but they cautioned that requiring broad public participation in exercises is impractical. Judicial staff described layered drills used by the judiciary (posted rules and building signage; announced evacuation and shelter-in-place drills; sign-up scenario trainings for active-threat exercises) and said some scenario trainings are limited by space and complexity.

Senator Westland pressed for mandatory drills across capital-area buildings so people present — from the Senate floor to House spaces — would know exit routes and meeting points, acknowledging such requirements may be difficult to enforce and can be traumatic for some participants. Members discussed practical steps including involving chief clerks, coordinating with plant facilities, specifying meeting points, and accounting methods to verify people after an evacuation.

The committee did not adopt final language at the meeting but asked staff to refine the drill proposal to explicitly include the four buildings assessed by the advisory group and to discuss implementation and communication with clerk offices and tenant agencies before returning the language for further review.