Governor Palin's continuing national attention is changing the way local media members will be allowed to bring Alaskans upcoming session information.

For the first time lawmakers are requiring press members to sign an official agreement.

A big reason the constitutional freedom of the press exists is to make sure reporters have free access to cover topics like the legislature, and act as public watchdogs.

The way it has always worked, Juneau’s Capitol Press Corps members agreed in principle to follow rules, and were given a press pass.

Now they'll have to sign a document to receive one.

"And since national attention is what it is we thought this would be a good time to make sure we're very clear." House Rules Chair John Coghill, R-North Pole, says.

“Very clear” comes in the form of a new, three-page Joint House and Senate Press Rules packet.

Now, to receive a press pass, a media member needs to sign a contract saying they will abide by all 17 of them.

Coghill says, “And we had rules that were generally gentlemen's rules. And we talked about dress codes, and things like that. But we thought we'd better line them out very specifically.”

Important, Coghill says, because of limited House and Senate floor space.

If there are higher coverage demands one rule gives first priority access to local news reporters.

“And when the governor’s coming to speak to us, or when we're doing something that may affect the governor, I want to make sure those 12 people understand they're there by invitation and if they won't abide by the rules somebody else wants to get in their place,” Coghill says.

Veteran Capitol Reporter Dave Donaldson says the new policy will not hamper reporters in their duty to act as Alaskans legislative watchdogs.

“There is nothing to me that is obtrusive into what I can do with how I can work,” Donaldson says.

“This is probably the first time it's been lined out in as clear of a direction as it has,” Coghill adds.

One rule requires media members to turn off cameras and leave the floor if there is a medical emergency.

Coghill says that exists because years ago when a capitol staff member had a seizure, some media members prevented that person from receiving proper medical treatment.

When the rules were drafted the last line would have allowed legislative rule makers to change these rules at their will, after reporters signed them.

Now, however, they have agreed to take that out that line.

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