One of the greatest pleasures of being a state senator is having the privilege to go to work each session day on the floor of one of the most iconic buildings in the country. Although I had been to the Capitol prior to becoming a Senator, I never really appreciated the intricate details of the architecture and the stories it told. It is also amazing how this magnificent building was built. Construction began in 1922 and was fully completed in 1932. Given what was going on in this country near the end of construction, it must have taken great fortitude to see it through completion.

When the Legislature first approved in 1919 the construction of the new Capitol, it also created the Capitol Commission to oversee not only construction but ultimately maintenance of the building and grounds. One of the biggest priorities of the Commission has been to protect the original design and furnishings of the original building. It is for this reason that the walls have the original paint colors and why no pictures or other items can be hung from the walls, but rather must be suspended from the ceiling. The lighting in the Capitol also remains original. This is one of the most challenging issues because the building does not have good lighting in the hallways or on the legislative floor. Late-night sessions are challenging, and anyone can see from the TV coverage that the floor looks dark. As items need to be fixed, the basement of the Capitol has a repair shop to do its own maintenance and repairs.

I will always remember sitting next to Speaker Mike Hilgers right after I was appointed to the Legislature. One day, we were in the middle of a filibuster when Mike looked at me and said, “On days like this, when I question why I am here, I sit back in my chair and look up at the ceiling in the Chamber and am reminded what a privilege it is to be here.”

Because of the focus on keeping the building as “Capitol original” as possible, the security for occupants in the building is minimal. Multiple cameras located throughout the building to provide the primary security. But given the current political environment, is it enough?

I met with several Senators last week to discuss this issue and determine if now is the time to limit entry points to the public and install metal detectors at public entrances. This may seem like a radical approach, but when you consider that the Capitol houses not only the Legislature, but also the Nebraska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, the Governor, and other state officers, you can appreciate that there is some vulnerability in the current system. There are also countless fourth-grade students who tour the Capitol annually.

We only need to look at the behavior of many who sit in the balcony to view the Legislature in person over the past three years. The behavior has involved everything from verbal outbursts to throwing feminine hygiene products from the balcony. After the assassination of Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, John, in their home in June 2025 and the more recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, it has become clear that some think political violence is an appropriate way to express criticism or disagreement. I don’t know where it will end, but I think it’s important we think it’s worth discussing whether we should take some steps to better identify potential risks at the state capitol.

I want to clear that I do not support restricting the Second Amendment rights of citizens, but it may be beneficial to identify those bringing deadly weapons into the Capitol and what their intentions may be. In far too many cases, those committing gun crimes are not the legal owners of the gun or do not possess the proper permits. Our goal would not be to stop law-abiding citizens from carrying certain potentially deadly weapons into the Capitol, but to know they legally possess these items and know who has them. Politically motivated gun crimes are growing and need to stop. Unfortunately, Nebraska is no different. I would be interested in knowing your thoughts on this issue.

It has been a pleasure serving as your State Senator. I have enjoyed the challenge and will continue to do my best to serve the interests of District 42. Please continue to reach out to me about issues important to you at 402-471-2729 or by emailing me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov.