An Ohio County lawmaker says metal detectors, secure entrances and additional security guards should become new features at the state Capitol.

Senator Andy McKenzie says the state should make major upgrades to the Capitol's security in the wake of shooting sprees around the country that took place in other public buildings.

Buildings at the Capitol Complex have seen gradual security increases ever since a bombing at the Louisiana state Senate in 1970. But McKenzie says West Virginia has some of the laxest security in the country.

Pennsylvania and Virginia are among 23 states with metal detectors at public entrances. Other states, like Connecticut, don't have metal detectors but keep all doors locked except for a main entrance for the public.

Security at the Capitol has been a concern ever since two motorists crashed their cars on the complex grounds in separate incidents last year. Those crashes prompted the installation of 13 metal gates around the Capitol.