Bill Could Assign Bodyguards To More Minnesota Leaders

ST. PAUL  (AP) - More Minnesota leaders could be in line for special security protection under a bipartisan bill coming up on its first legislative hearing.

The bill would direct state public safety officials to provide temporary security to Minnesota Supreme Court justices, legislators or statewide officeholders if credible threats arise. Currently, the State Patrol has a full-time security detail for the governor.

The bill was on Monday's agenda for the Senate Committee on State Government Innovation and Veterans.

The measure is part of a push for stepped-up awareness about Capitol security issues. The bill creates a task force that would provide an annual assessment about security and recommendations for upgrades. The task force would be permitted to meet in private, which has already drawn concern from those who promote government transparency.

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