A Wyoming legislative committee is set to reconsider a recently passed measure that restricts photo and video access for journalists near the House and Senate chamber floors, Wyo File reports.
The decision to ban journalists from photographing or filming lawmakers from hallways adjacent to the chamber floors was made last month by the Select Committee on Legislative Facilities, Technology and Process. The measure was passed with a 4-2 vote but is now being reviewed due to proposed changes.
Senator Dan Laursen, who supported the initial ban, has requested the committee revisit the issue.
“I just wanted to discuss it again,” Laursen said.
without offering further details on what changes may be considered. Committee Chairman Cale Case (R-Lander), the lone Republican to vote against the original measure, expressed hope that the restrictions could be rolled back.
The initial policy limits journalists to capturing images from gallery areas above the chambers, preventing them from taking eye-level shots of lawmakers at work. Representative Mike Yin (D-Jackson), another dissenting vote, has emphasized the importance of maximizing journalistic access to the Legislature.
The Wyoming Press Association has strongly opposed the restrictions, with Executive Director Darcie Hoffland warning that such limitations could set a dangerous precedent for transparency in government.
The committee will discuss the media policy during its meeting on Thursday.
