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Enhanced security leads to changes in Capitol access for reporters There are few phases of our lives and jobs that haven’t been affected by Sept. 11 and coverage of the 2002 regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly won’t be an exception. Security procedures Reporters covering the legislative session — even those on a sporadic basis — will need a photo-identification press badge issued through the Legislative Research Commission Public Information Office (Room 23, Capitol Annex basement). The press badge is required for access to the House and Senate chambers. Statehouse reporters who have already been issued a press ID through Facilities Security in the Justice Cabinet will be able to use those badges for chamber access. To get the press badge, present a letter to LRC requesting press credentials on newspaper letterhead and signed by the paper’s editor or publisher. The letter must specify the name and social security number seeking the badge. If your paper is sending more than one reporter, it’s not necessary to submit separate letters; just list the names and social security numbers on a single request. Reporters will then be asked to show us a photo ID confirming their identification (a driver’s license will do). At that point, the LRC photo ID will be issued, which will be good for access to the Capitol and Capitol Annex Buildings, including areas controlled by proximity readers (a proximity card is coded so that it can be detected by a proximity reader when the card is worn or carried by a person passing within approximately 18 inches of a reader) and the press areas of the House and Senate floors. According to LRC, the process of getting a badge shouldn’t take
more than 15 or 20 minutes. But given how hectic it can be during
sessions, they encourage The LRC Public Information Office opens at 8 a.m. each week day and plans are to stay open at least one half hour after final adjournment for each day of the session. Scott Payton, LRC Public Information Officer, said officials hope to have the badge machine “up and running” a few days prior to the session convening. He advised if any reporters planned to be in Frankfort prior to the start of the session, they should contact LRC to make arrangements to pick up a badge at that time (502) 564-8100. Note: When you arrive at the Capitol annex to get your photo badge from LRC, you will have to have photo ID in order to enter the building. Parking LRC officials have notified KPA that parking procedures in the vicinity of the Capitol have also been changed. Parking around the Capitol is always at a premium during sessions, and will be even more so this year because of construction and renovation work on the Capitol campus. LRC anticipates that the parking garage will be designated for
legislator and staff use only, with designated surface areas reserved
for visitors (including reporters). It’s possible an overflow lot
will be opened at nearby Juniper Hills Municipal Park, with shuttle
service to the Capitol. Those plans are still being formulated. Payton
suggested reporters should call ahead if they plan on covering the
legislature to find out from LRC the latest parking and security
measures. If you have questions regarding the new LRC guidelines, contact Payton at 502-564-8100, or e-mail: scott.payton@lrc.state.ky.us.
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