New Procedure for Security in the Michigan State Capitol Building

Passed by the Michigan State Capitol Commission August 16, 2023

Effective September 26, 2023

In accordance with the Michigan State Capitol Commission’s authority under the Michigan State Capitol Historic Site Act, 2013 PA 240, MCL 4.1941 to 4.1949, to operate and manage the Michigan State Capitol Historic Site, and in carrying out its authority by providing for the safety of visitors to the Capitol Building and for those who work within the Capitol Building, the Michigan State Capitol Commission adopts the following procedure:

Section 1. As used in this procedure:

(a) “Capitol Building” means the Michigan State Capitol Building, including Heritage Hall, the maintenance garage, and all other indoor facilities and structures within the Michigan State Capitol Historic Site. “Capitol Building” does not include the grounds of the Michigan State Capitol Building bounded by Ottawa street on the north, Allegan street on the south, Capitol avenue on the east, and Walnut street on the west, as described in section 4(2) of the Michigan State Capitol Historic Site Act, 2013 PA 240, MCL 4.1944.

(b) “Capitol Security” means enforcement members of the Michigan State Police, Sergeants-at-Arms of the Michigan Senate, and Sergeants-at-Arms of the Michigan House of Representatives.

(c) “Explosives” means that term as it is defined in section 15 of the Michigan Vehicle Code, 1949 PA300, MCL 257.15.

(d) “Firearm” means that term as it is defined in section 1(1)(c) of 1927 PA 372, MCL 28.421(1)(c).

Section 2. Except as otherwise provided in this procedure, weapons are not permitted within the Capitol Building. Weapons include the following:

(a) Firearms.

(b) Explosives.

(c) Other items as determined by Capitol Security to pose a potential security threat.

Section 3. The prohibition contained in section 2 does not apply to any of the following:

(a) A member of Capitol Security.

(b) A law enforcement officer of an authorized law enforcement agency in Michigan who is licensed under the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Act, 1965 PA 203, MCL 28.601 to 28.615, and who is on-duty and authorized to carry a firearm as part of his or her employment.

(c) A security employee employed by the State of Michigan and granted limited arrest powers under section 6c of 1935 PA 59, MCL 28.6c, and who is on-duty and authorized to carry a firearm as part of his or her employment.

(d) A motor carrier officer appointed under section 6d of 1935 PA 59, MCL 28.6d, and who is on-duty and authorized to carry a firearm as part of his or her employment.

(e) A federal law enforcement officer authorized to carry firearms.

Section 4. The following individuals may carry a concealed pistol or a concealed electromuscular disruption device within the Capitol Building if the individual is in possession of a valid concealed pistol license under 1927 PA 372, MCL 28.421 to 28.435, and is otherwise in compliance with law:

(a) An individual who is employed by a private security vendor that contracts services with the State of Michigan for the purpose of providing executive protection to state officials and who is on-duty and who is authorized to carry firearms by his or her employer.

(b) An individual who is employed by the Michigan Supreme Court or the Michigan Court of Appeals and who is on-duty and who is authorized to carry firearms by his or her employer.

(c) A currently serving member of the Michigan Senate or House of Representatives.

Section 5. The Executive Director of the Michigan State Capitol Commission shall arrange for the posting of a notice at all entrances to the Capitol Building that states: “No weapons are permitted within the Capitol Building. All individuals entering the Capitol Building are subject to the policies and procedures of the Michigan State Capitol Commission.”

Section 6. This procedure is effective 3 days after the Executive Director of the Michigan State Capitol Commission provides written notice to the Senate Majority Leader, the Senate Minority Leader, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and the Governor that the weapons detection system for the Capitol Building has been installed and is operational.