TexasCHLforum.com

Just wanted to update this thread with my experience visiting the Texas State Capitol today with my wife and children. I took my kids (1 yr & 3 yr) in a stroller through the north entrance, which I believe is the only entrance with a ramp (for the stroller). I used the employee/CHL entrance, which is clearly marked. My wife (who has a CHL but doesn't carry ... yet) went through the metal detector. The trooper swiped my CHL, briefly typed something into the laptop, and then handed it back and said "Have a nice day!" He didn't ask me if I was armed or anything else like that. (I was carrying my Glock 23 in a Supertuck.) He didn't search my kids, stroller, backpack, or diaper bag. It took all of 20 seconds maybe. Funny thing was - we were with some of my wife's friends, who I really didn't care to announce to that I carry, and they never even noticed that I went through the CHL entrance because the troopers let all the strollers and little kids go through that entrance (unchecked) while the parents went through the metal detectors. I guess none of our friends noticed I was the only adult going through with the kids - haha. About an hour later, after we left the building, I re-entered by myself through the south entrance because I wanted to visit my senator's and representative's offices (Sen. Watson, Rep. Strama - both Dems - booo!). The line was long for the metal detectors, and it was hard to get around everyone to get to the CHL entrance. Once I did, it was even faster than the first time. The trooper swiped my CHL, glanced briefly at his screen without typing anything, checked my face with the picture on my CHL, and handed it back with a smile and a "Have a nice day!". Overall the visit was a pretty positive experience.

PS - If you're going to visit the Capitol, there's free (for the first 2 hrs) garage parking for visitors at 1201 San Jacinto (I used the entrance on 13th street just east of San Jacinto). From there it's a short walk due west to the Capitol's east entrance.