Casino hearing aftermath: Legitimate press passes required

                                                                                   


                                                                        

After an incident at the Casino hearing last month, majority Republicans on the Nassau legislature yesterday posted a new placard in the legislative chambers announcing the press pass policy.

The large placard was placed inside the legislative chambers, near the front, on the Republican side of the chambers, ie on the left facing the front.

It was visible to everyone who attended yesterday's legislative committee meetings.

The policy requires members of the press to display upon request an official press pass issued by the Nassau police department. It also says that official press passes from the city, Suffolk County and the Port Authority are also acceptable.

Just to make sure everyone understands, Republicans issued a news release yesterday reiterating the requirement.

The policy is not new. It's been around for years, through various administrations.

But enforcement usually isn't needed. 

The policy is most often applied when the legislative chambers are packed, with an overflow crowd.

An official, legitimate press pass is then required for journalists to go in and report on the event -- Usually  a valid photo ID issued by Nassau Police.

Longtime reporters know an ID from a newspaper, broadcast station or other news outlet is not enough.

So why now?

Anyone who was able to get into the crowded legislative chambers for the nine-hour hearing last month about the proposed transfer of the Nassau Coliseum lease to Las Vegas Sands for the development of a casino probably know why.

There was a disruption at the beginning of the meeting, quickly squelched by Presiding Officer Rich Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park) and Nassau police.

The policy does not apply to people who want to attend the legislative meeting or give comment. They are welcome to sit in their seats until called to the podium to express their concerns. Yes, they are also allowed signs.

Here is the press release:                                        

                                                                                   






Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 20, 2023 at 11:06 AM

    Ein Reich, ein Volk, Ein Fuehrer! Shows you what happens when Trumptrash control any body. Plus, many villages have passed laws banning any kind of recording on premises, such as talks with the Clerk or a superintendent. Same thing. We are losing our democracy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJune 20, 2023 at 1:36 PM

      yeah, hate to tell you this, but the Democrats on the Legislature applauded it. They hate the disrupter more than the Republicans do.

      Delete

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