Jake Lowary

USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

Sen. Mae Beavers has hired private security to patrol the hallways of Legislative Plaza, though they have not been formally authorized by legislative leaders.

Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, has been the focus of steep opposition to a number of pieces of legislation lately that focus on hot-button issues like abortion, the definition of marriage and the freedom to carry guns anywhere in the state.

Adam Kleinheider, spokesman for Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, said Thursday that the security officers have not been authorized by leadership, and have been explicitly told to not carry weapons.

Security at Legislative Plaza is provide by Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers, and are the only ones legally authorized to do so, Kleinheider said. Sergeants at Arms maintain order and decorum in committee rooms and chambers.

"That said, members of the Senate are permitted to have any guests of their choosing join them in the plaza or the capitol," Kleinheider said.

Officials with the state Department of Homeland Security have spoken with the security officers and said they are not armed. Only law enforcement officers are allowed to carry weapons at the capitol and Legslative Plaza.

Justin Jones, a student at Fisk University who often organizes protests and demonstrations at the capitol, told the Tennessean that the security prevented him from meeting with Beavers on Wednesday. Jones is not Beavers' constituent, and she has only agreed to meet with constituents individually for 10 minutes each in recent weeks.

Beavers has declined multiple requests for interviews with the Tennessean and did not return calls Thursday seeking comment.

Jake Lowary covers Tennessee politics and state government for the USA Today Network. Reach him at 615-881-7039 or follow him on Twitter @JakeLowary.