Gov. rescinds Statehouse crowd limit

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Gov. Mitch Daniels says a controversial decision to limit the number of people allowed in the Indiana Statehouse has been rescinded.

Daniels called a last-minute news conference on the topic Wednesday, after days of debate.

Officials had updated the Statehouse security policy to only allow 3,000 people in the Statehouse at any time, including employees. Critics said the policy was aimed at protesters, including those opposed to right-to-work legislation.

Daniels said Wednesday that security will be constantly monitored. He also said Democrats and media coverage of the change influenced the decision to change the policy back.

House Speaker Brian Bosma R-Indianapolis said he supported the governor's decision in a statement Wednesday.

“There is a fine balance between public access and public safety, and we need to assure that both of these issues are met. I am pleased that we have decided to open up the Statehouse and err on the side of public access. Without the public, we don’t have a democracy.”