Russell Explains Reporters Association

Betsy Russell’s response to Randy Stapilus re: Idaho Reporter : The Capitol Correspondents Association is not a professional fellowship. It’s the entity designated by the joint rules of the House and Senate to credential members of the press for access to the press seats on the floor of the chambers during sessions, and to press work space in the capitol. That access is not granted as a “perk.” It is granted as a public service, to promote public knowledge of the activities of the Legislature through news reporting. As you know, lobbyists specifically are not admitted to the chambers during floor sessions. They also don’t work out of the press work space (a room in the basement), but they have their own, designated space (a different room in the basement). …The public has full access to all the activities of the Legislature, including floor sessions, through public galleries, and all committee hearings are open to the public. … As you point out, it’s entirely possible to cover the legislative session, and do it well, without membership in the CCA. Full post below.

Randy, the Capitol Correspondents Association is not a professional fellowship. It’s the entity designated by the joint rules of the House and Senate to credential members of the press for access to the press seats on the floor of the chambers during sessions, and to press work space in the capitol. That access is not granted as a “perk.” It is granted as a public service, to promote public knowledge of the activities of the Legislature through news reporting. As you know, lobbyists specifically are not admitted to the chambers during floor sessions. They also don’t work out of the press work space (a room in the basement), but they have their own, designated space (a different room in the basement). The public has full access to all the activities of the Legislature, including floor sessions, through public galleries, and all committee hearings are open to the public. (Party caucuses are the exception, and are not open the public or the press, but that’s another story.) As you point out, it’s entirely possible to cover the legislative session, and do it well, without membership in the CCA. The other function of the Capitol Correspondents Association is to serve as a point of contact between the Legislature and the press on access issues, such as when an RS becomes public (the answer: Once it’s considered at a public meeting, whether or not it’s then introduced as a bill.)