Topeka ? Lawmakers want to figure out how they can make it easier to get lobbyists into the Capitol. So, they’re considering special keys for the special interests.

The Legislative Coordinating Council on Tuesday approved creation of a subcommittee to study whether lobbyists should be allowed to purchase the access cards that open electronically locked security doors.

Such cards, which legislators, Statehouse employees and news reporters have, allow entrance to the Capitol through doors not open to the general public. And lobbyists would like the same privileged access, said Jeff Russell, director of Legislative Administrative Services.

Several lawmakers said they were opposed to granting special access to lobbyists, the operatives who try to influence lawmakers on behalf of special interests.

“No one’s convinced me we need to do this,” said House Speaker Doug Mays, a Topeka Republican.

There also is concern the security of the building could be jeopardized by distribution of hundreds of access cards. There are 579 lobbyists registered in Topeka.

But Senate President Dave Kerr, R-Hutchinson, said others thought that because so many lobbyists were former lawmakers, easier access to the Capitol should be one of the “perks” to having served in the Legislature.

“At this point we don’t have a satisfactory conclusion,” he said. Kerr appointed to the subcommittee Senate Majority Leader Lana Oleen, R-Manhattan, Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, House Majority Leader Clay Aurand, R-Courtland, and House Minority Leader Dennis McKinney, D-Greensburg.

Aurand suggested opening all the doors to the public, but Kerr said the state couldn’t afford to keep security guards at all the doors.

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The subcommittee has been charged with coming up with a recommendation within the month.

Access to the Statehouse has been reduced since the 9-11 terrorist attacks and because of the Capitol renovation project.

The building can only be entered on the first floor. The general public is allowed to enter on the west side where there are security guards. Cardholders can use the north and south entrances, in addition to the west entrance. The east entrance is closed for renovation.