Department of Administration and Capitol Police officials addressed opposition to new rules that require a permit for public use of the state Capitol and the capitol grounds Thursday.
The rules, which will take effect Dec. 16, require that groups planning to use the state Capitol or its grounds must apply for a permit 72 hours in advance.
According to a summary of the rules released by the DOA, "Individuals obtaining a permit may be required to pay the costs of damage, repair, equipment set-up, clean-up, or excess security costs associated with the event or exhibit."
"Spontaneous events" may be exceptions to the permit requirement. The definition of a spontaneous event is available on the DOA's website.
Capitol protesters at Thursday's meeting in the Capitol basement said the rules suppressed their right to free speech and will only serve to incite further protests.
The protesters said the rules would likely be challenged in court for being unconstitutional.
DOA Deputy Secretary Chris Schoenherr responded to criticisms, saying these rules are merely a clarification of similar rules that have been in effect since 2006, and the enforcement of the rules will help keep the Capitol safe.
"I think one of the key pieces of this is there are no surprises," Schoenherr said. "If you have a permit application, if you've talked with Capitol Police, if you know what's expected of you, in turn you can know what to expect from us."
Democrats throughout the state have criticized the new rules.
"This seems nothing more than another attempt to shut the people out of the people's house for merely trying to exercise their constitutional rights of free speech in a peaceful manner," said Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison.
