MADISON, Wis. — Today, Assembly Republicans barred members of the public and legislators from recording committee proceedings, further restricting public access to the legislative process following the recent shutdown of WisconsinEye, the long-standing nonprofit that provided coverage of Wisconsin government.
Rep. Clinton Anderson (D–Beloit) raised concerns after being informed that recordings would no longer be permitted during Assembly committee hearings, a reversal from prior practice and one that appears to be expanding across committees under Republican control.
“Just yesterday, I livestreamed the Committee on Local Government with no issues. Today in the Agriculture Committee, we were told livestreaming is no longer allowed, and we’re now hearing that this will become standard practice across committees. If that’s the direction Republican leadership is heading, it represents a clear move to restrict public access. After WisconsinEye went dark, the response should have been to expand transparency, not quietly close another door on the public. I am disappointed to see the Assembly GOP go after the public’s 1st Amendment rights.”
