Florida Senate to hold rare closed security meeting

By Associated Press AP

PUBLISHED 2:21 PM ET May. 09, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Senate is holding a rare closed-door meeting to discuss security at the state Capitol.

State law and Senate rules generally require open meetings although there are exceptions. Senate President Bill Galvano decided to hold a private meeting on Thursday to discuss security procedures in place for committee meetings and other Senate functions.

Katie Betta, a spokeswoman for Galvano, said the Bradenton Republican believes "it is critically important" to tell Senate committee chairmen what measures would be implemented in event of a security breach or threat.

Betta said the Senate has not had a closed door meeting since shortly after the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Florida law does not allow anyone to bring a concealed firearm into any meeting of the Legislature.