Kansas House Speaker Explains Restricting Press Access to Provide Staff with Better Seating

Kansas House Speaker Explains Restricting Press Access to Provide Staff with Better Seating

House Speaker Dan Hawkins addressed the controversial decision to restrict journalists’ access to the House floor for the first time, explaining his reasoning during a public discussion on Thursday.

His decision, which has drawn criticism, limits reporters to taking photos only from the back and sides of the chamber, effectively removing their decades-long ability to work from a designated press box.

New Rules for Press Access

Before the legislative session began, Hawkins banned journalists from the traditional press box area, a space previously used for note-taking, photography, and interaction with staff. The change, described as a “significant adjustment” by his aide, marked a break from tradition and has sparked widespread debate about its impact on journalistic freedom.

Despite the outcry, Hawkins and his team have downplayed the restrictions, asserting that journalists still retain the ability to take photos in the chamber. However, they have not addressed how these changes hinder reporters’ ability to report effectively.

Hawkins’ Justification for the Change

Hawkins explained that the restrictions were implemented to provide better seating for his staff, who previously used a bench in front of the press box. Gesturing toward the new seating arrangement, he pointed out that the former press box is now occupied by staff members.

“Never did I ban the press from the body,” Hawkins said, referencing reporters taking photos from the back of the chamber during the debate. He claimed to have responded to criticism with photographic evidence showing journalists still present on the House floor.

Proposed Amendment to Restore Press Access

The issue was addressed through an amendment proposed by Rep. Kirk Haskins, a Democrat from Topeka, which sought to reinstate full press access. Haskins argued that limiting press access could have legal repercussions and undermine transparency.

“We must remember that the strength of the state lies in the individuals we represent,” Haskins said. He emphasized that unrestricted press access allows journalists to better inform the public and warned that the current restrictions might lead to lawsuits for violating the First Amendment.

Republican Majority Rejects Amendment

Despite Haskins’ arguments, the amendment was rejected by a voice vote and later defeated in a recorded vote of 87-35. This decision aligns with a pattern of Republican leadership resisting measures aimed at increasing transparency.

Other Amendments Addressed

Midnight Rule Debate

Republican Rep. Samantha Poetter Parshall proposed reinstating the “midnight rule,” which prohibited legislative debates between midnight and 8 a.m. The rule had been removed this session despite its original purpose of avoiding late-night debates, which often occur during the final days of the session.

Poetter Parshall cited research showing impaired brain function and decision-making after midnight. “No meaningful debate happens after midnight,” she said, adding that fatigue can lead to errors.

Wichita Democrat Rep. John Carmichael supported her stance, sharing a personal anecdote about mistakenly casting a wrong vote during a late-night session.

Despite their arguments, the House rejected the amendment by an 82-41 vote.

Recording Committee Votes

Another transparency-related amendment was brought forward by Republican Rep. Paul Waggoner, who called for Kansas to join 48 other states in recording committee votes. The proposal was also rejected, with a 73-49 vote against it.

Implications of Rejected Amendments

The rejection of these amendments highlights an ongoing struggle over transparency and accountability in the Kansas legislature. Critics argue that the elimination of the press box, the midnight rule, and the failure to record committee votes collectively undermine public trust.

Key Amendments and Outcomes

AmendmentProposed ByPurposeOutcomeVote Count
Restore Press AccessRep. Kirk Haskins (D)Reinstate full press access for journalistsRejected87-35
Reinstate “Midnight Rule”Rep. Samantha Poetter Parshall (R)Ban debates between midnight and 8 a.m.Rejected82-41
Record Committee VotesRep. Paul Waggoner (R)Record committee votes to increase transparencyRejected73-49

The Kansas House of Representatives’ decision to restrict press access and reject amendments aimed at increasing transparency has sparked significant debate. While Speaker Hawkins defended the changes as logistical adjustments, critics view them as a threat to the First Amendment and public accountability.

The rejection of the midnight rule and committee vote recording further underscores the challenges faced in balancing efficiency and transparency within the legislative process.

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