Senate looking to toughen security in galleries

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Republican-controlled Wisconsin state Senate is looking at toughening requirements of those watching lawmakers debate from public galleries.

Republican Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said Friday that new rules are being considered that would institute penalties for people who are cited for misbehavior in the galleries and in committee meetings.

The Assembly on Thursday approved new rules that call for people violating rules of the gallery to be removed after the first infraction and barred from the Assembly for the remainder of the two-year session on the third offense.

Fitzgerald says the Senate is considering similar changes as well as listing behavior that is not permitted in the galleries. He says his primary concern is protecting senators.

The Senate is scheduled to take up the changes Tuesday.