I heard this was a definite go but still had questions. While the Austin-American Statesman article has an obvious bias, it at least seems to answer the question.
And, under an exemption approved Tuesday as a part of a new security plan, Texans with a concealed-handgun license will be able to take their pistols into the statehouse as well.
So this sucks that we’ll have metal detectors, but at least CHL holders will not be abridged. Of course I don’t really care for that either because concealed means concealed. But as soon as you have to notify the guy working the detector, you’re going to stand out, you’re going to get some sort of special treatment (e.g. won’t have to go through the detector), and it’s going to make the sheep scared and cause problems.
*sigh*
And in the end will safety really be improved by this? No. It won’t be any more or any less safe. It makes some legislators feel better about themselves (tho, good for Rick Perry for being the only one to vote against this measure), but that’s all.
We’ll see how this pans out in reality.
Stuff From Hsoi 
Hey Hsoi, blogged about this and wondered how the justification fits. How does putting in metal detectors at the doors stop a guy who shot his gun outside on the capitol steps?
http://gungeekrants.blogspot.com/2010/04/stoopid-it-hurts.html
The only way it fits is making some legislator feel good about themselves… like they’re “doing something” for the “good of mankind”.
You know… road to hell, paved with good intentions.
Trying to figure out how the governmemt works is like trying to figured out how WalMart works…you just end up with a massive headache and nothing to show for it.
Besides, I could still open carry a rifle or a shotgun and it be legal. I don’t see how metal detectors make them feel safer if I walk in there slingin’ an AK on my shoulder…
Hhhmmm…
Note to self, open carry loaded AK47 on the capital grounds. I’d love to see the media frenzy with that one…
Apparently there was a rally on April 15. Someone presenting at the rally had an AK-47. Trooper checked it out, saw it was unloaded, handed it back, shook the guy’s hand and left.