California Senate maintains press access restrictions for lawmakers

The California State Senate has made it harder for journalists to access lawmakers at the state Capitol. New restrictions on press access were implemented during the pandemic, but Senate leaders have refused to change these rules. Historically, journalists had desks along the Senate floor, allowing them to ask questions directly to senators. In 1931, there were 16 such desks. Now, there are none. As the Capitol fully reopened in 2023, the Senate staff filled the previously designated press desks. Journalists expressed concern over not being consulted about this change. The Capitol Correspondents Association has raised these access issues with Senate leaders for the past two years. The only remaining desks are in a back corner of the chamber, far from lawmakers. While print and radio reporters can interview senators in the hallway during sessions, TV reporters face restrictions. This allows senators to avoid TV cameras when arriving late or leaving early. Steve Stuck, President of the California Broadcasters Association, criticized the unequal treatment of media access. He argued that fair access is crucial for accurate news reporting, especially inside the Capitol. In contrast, the State Assembly accommodates journalists with desks behind lawmakers and allows interviews in the hallway. Senate spokesman Mike McGuire stated that TV reporters can access a designated spot inside the Senate chamber. He blamed ongoing construction on the Capitol annex for the restrictions and insisted that the Senate chamber is open to the media. However, he did not clarify why the Senate's access rules differ from the Assembly's. McGuire declined to confirm if the Senate will change its policy on press access.