Policy aims to limit handouts of state Capitol access cards

Secretary of State John Thurston's office has instituted a new policy aimed at limiting the number of people who have electronic access cards that allow the holders to avoid the metal detectors at main entrances of the state Capitol.

Several state senators were surprised to learn last week that lawmakers have been able to obtain the cards for lobbyists and other people who don't work in offices at the Capitol. They suggested that an end be called to that practice.

Under the secretary of state's electronic key card access policy that went into effect Nov. 1, the Capitol Police agency maintains authority for issuing "electronic key cards" for entry to controlled-access areas in the Capitol and the nearby Capitol Hill apartment building.

The electronic key card is "a computerized alternative to mechanical locks and keys that is based on a presentation of a card or other device in order to obtain entry," under the policy.

Read more: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2019/nov/24/policy-aims-to-limit-handouts-of-capito/?news-arkansas