The Arizona House of Representatives chamber.
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New security measures at the Arizona House of Representatives have news reporters worried about retaining their access to the lawmaking body they cover.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives announced Thursday new security measures that require felony and misdemeanor background checks for reporters who wish to do their job from a table on the floor of the House of Representatives.
AZ Capitol press banished to the gallery after House bans them from the floor. pic.twitter.com/fCfXmv85A9
— Dennis Welch (@dennis_welch) April 7, 2016
Arizona Public Media requested a copy of the new policy, but has not received it. Other news organizations reported the details from the Capitol.
David Bodney, a media lawyer who is trying to get the new policy changed, said reporters are worried that, if they submit to the background checks, their private legal information could be released to the public, and that they could experience retaliation.
“It’s really about fixing this policy, and in particular this authorization form, to reduce the risk of retaliatory actions by the Speaker, toward reporters," Bodney said.
Because of those concerns, Bodney said, public access to information about the state lawmaking process could be reduced.
“This policy, if it isn’t reformed, could and likely would result in a lessening of information to the public about the activities of our state legislature," he said.
Members of the House requested increased security, said Rep. Mark Finchem in a news release.
"If badge holders chose not to do the security check, they are not banned from the House of Representatives, they are welcome in all public areas. The press has access to the gallery or the online proceedings if they choose not to do the check," Finchem wrote.
But watching the proceedings online or from an elevated gallery overlooking the House floor is "not the same," Bodney said. He said access to the floor allows reporters better access to interview lawmakers.
"The Arizona House of Representatives can promulgate rules to protect public safety, but they should be rational and non-discriminatory, and we're working to provide reporters the same assurance that any citizen would expect if a government official asked him or her to authorize the release of lots of records about them," Bodney said.
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