NASHVILLE (AP) — A major bottleneck at the entrances to Tennessee's legislative office complex is being eliminated this week.
Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey told reporters on Thursday that state troopers have been instructed to stop scanning IDs and printing out temporary nametags for visitors.
Visitors will still have to pass through a metal detector, but Ramsey said ID scanning was taking too long and not serving much purpose because the names aren't run through criminal databases.
Lines can often stretch around the block when advocacy groups hold their days on the hill or when contentious legislation is being heard in committee.
Ramsey said he's also asked his staff to look into purchasing more metal detectors so visitors can be screened more quickly.