Bloggers in the House

Today is the day that the House sets its rules for the session. One rule being proposed by State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez would allow for bloggers to get press credentials in the Capitol. From the press release:

"With the rise of citizen journalism, it no longer makes sense to limit access to House business solely to the traditional press outlets," said Representative Rodriguez.

Political blogs are some of the limited media that focus solely on reporting the happenings at the Capital and many of these Bloggers regularly break stories that show up in the traditional media.

Bloggers, as defined by this revised rule, produce original reporting and informed comment worthy of credentials. This amendment will allow increasingly popular non-traditional media, the privileges necessary to more effectively inform citizens on governmental issues.

"This kind of measure would encourage citizen participation in government and help demystify the system for the general public," said Rodriguez.

I think this is a fine idea, as does McBlogger. According to Eye on Williamson, however, Rep. Rodriguez has temporarily removed his amendment, and will bring it up again later. I'm told by Rep. Rodriguez's office that he will introduce it as a bill instead of an amendment to the House rules. I'm also told that the debate on this was more or less along party lines, with Dems supportive and Republicans not so much. Which is not a shock to me.

Now if they could also get WiFi in the House, we'd really be getting somewhere. We'll see.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on January 12, 2007 to That's our Lege