For Immediate Release:
Contact: Chris Nordstrum
(415) 601-1992
Chris.Nordstrum@nmlegis.gov
February 12, 2020
SANTA FE — Today, Senate Rule 2, a proposed change meant to update and clarify rules and procedures relating to the public and media’s ability to take photographs and video recordings of committee meetings, received a do-pass from the Senate Rules Committee.
Existing rules require that permission to take photos or film in a committee meeting must be obtained by the committee chair and ranking member in advance of such activity. The rule applies to both the public and the media. The proposed change would allow for camera use without requiring advanced permission.
“The current rule regarding camera use in committee meetings is unclear and runs counter to the openness we owe to the people we’re here serving,” says the measure’s sponsor, Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-Doña Ana). “We should fully support everyone’s right to participate in and report on the political process. We’ve made many positive strides over the years in opening up meetings to the public, including webcasting and archiving committee meetings and floor sessions held in the Capitol, as well as working toward doing the same for interim committee meetings held in other parts of the state when technically feasible. This needed fix acknowledges and clarifies the public’s right to engage in the process.”
After receiving a do-pass in the Senate Rules Committee today the measure now heads to the Senate floor for a full vote. If passed on the Senate floor, the new rule would go into effect the following legislative day.
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