Access and Security

Access and Security

In accordance with local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations, interim rules regarding the General Assembly Building and a Virginia General Assembly Accessibility Policy have been established jointly by the Clerk of the House and the Clerk of the Senate at the direction of the General Assembly’s Committee on Joint Rules. 

Individuals and groups visiting the General Assembly Building may enter the building through the doors marked public entrance on the south side of the building. Visitors with special needs may use the wheelchair accessible entrance.

To ensure the safety of employees and visitors, all non-credentialed visitors are required to pass through a security screening and have their personal items screened by an X-ray machine before entry to the building. Please note that all packages and bags are subject to physical search.

Building Occupancy

Capitol Police, in collaboration with the State Fire Marshal, enforce the occupancy loads for the General Assembly and Capitol Buildings and have a process for tracking these numbers in real-time. If capacity is reached, access will be temporarily halted until numbers decrease.

The maximum capacity for the General Assembly Building is 12,169.

Emergency Evacuation Information

In the event of an emergency, please proceed to the nearest exit and follow the guidance of Capitol Police Officers. To report an emergency or suspicious activity, please inform the nearest Capitol Police Officer.

Media Credential

A media credential, which allows access to the GAB and Capitol, is available from House Support Services by completing an application, presenting valid identification issued by your organization, and having your photo taken for the badge. Please call (804)698-1550 or email presspass@house.virginia.gov to schedule an appointment. It may take up to a week for your application to be approved and for your badge to be issued. “Day passes” for specific events are valid for that event only, and general passes are good for one year from the issue date.

LOBBYIST INFORMATION

Lobbyist IDs

A lobbyist may obtain an identification badge by visiting Senate Support Services (5th floor of the General Assembly Building). Senate Support Services will require the completion of an application and proof of registration with the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council upon receipt. At that time, an appointment will be made to have your photo taken. The cost of the identification badge is $20.00, payable by check made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia or by credit card. Payment is required at the time of your appointment. The hours for obtaining a badge are Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 11 am and 1 pm – 3 pm; Friday, 9 am – 11 am.

Senate – Lobbyist Locker Rental

The Senate of Virginia has lockers available to lobbyists to rent for storage of personal belongings while conducting business in the General Assembly Building. The lockers are located on the 3rd floor of the General Assembly Building. The rental fee is $100 annually. Please contact Senate Support Services, (804)698-7460, for more information.

House – Lobbyist Locker Rental

The House of Delegates has lockers available to rent for the storage of personal belongings while conducting business in the General Assembly Building. The lockers are located on the first floor and in the basement of the General Assembly Building. The rental fee is $100 annually. Please contact House Support Services at (804)698-1550 for more information.