Minn. Panel Grapples With Capitol Security Bill

 ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Legislation creating a task force with a special Capitol security focus is proving to be a work in progress.

A Senate committee considered then put off action on the proposal on Monday. The task force would provide annual assessments about security and recommendations for upgrades.

Senators were grappling with whether to open to the proposed panel's meetings to the public or presume they're all closed. Sponsors said discussions of security vulnerabilities should be handled privately. Transparency advocates say it's wrong to limit public participation in setting guidelines for public buildings.

The bill also would put more Minnesota leaders in line for special, but temporary security protection.

The bill is likely to come up again later in the week in the Senate Committee on State Government Innovation and Veterans.

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