Vermont Statehouse Tightens Press Access Following Inaugural Outburst

The Vermont Statehouse has tightened up its credentialing process for journalists ahead of Gov. Phil Scott’s budget address Thursday. The stricter requirements come after an activist posed as a reporter and disrupted the governor’s inaugural speech earlier this month.

Media members who wanted to cover Scott’s address from the press gallery were required to email the sergeant at arms by noon Wednesday. Previously, reporters could sign in on the day of the event.

The governor's communications office detailed the new process in an email sent Tuesday to members of the media.

Reporters and photographers must show photo ID to pick up their yellow press badges ahead of the speech. Only those who follow the new registration rules will get access to the House balcony for the event, Sergeant at Arms Janet Miller said.

Read more: https://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2019/01/23/media-note-vermont-statehouse-tightens-press-access-following-inaugural-outburst