Snow falls on the Alaska Capitol and the statue of William Henry Seward on Monday, April 1, 2024. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
An airport-style security screening checkpoint could be coming to the Alaska State Capitol, ending decades of open public access.
In a public notice published Oct. 2, the nonpartisan agency in charge of Capitol administration seeks a private firm to “conduct security screening of visitors and visitors’ belongings.” The firm may also be in charge of screening incoming packages.
Security officers at the Alaska Capitol do not currently screen incoming visitors, and the Capitol does not use metal detectors or backscatter X-ray machines like those found at American airports. Security officers are stationed at a desk near the front entrance and patrol the building.
Screening is used at the state courthouse across the street.
“The Successful Bidder shall provide two uniformed unarmed Security Screeners, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., during the regular legislative session and all special sessions, including all State of Alaska and federal holidays during the session or special sessions,” according to the notice, formally known as a request for quotes .