Bill Signed to Protect Press Freedom

Califorina Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that will help the media continue to do their jobs.

California SB-98 gives journalists the right to stay after a dispersal order has been given or an unlawful assembly has been called. The bill also bars police from intentionally injuring, interfering with or detaining journalists covering these events.

Two of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country, the LAPD and LASD had taken the position that dispersal orders apply to journalists and had been testing it detaining journalists after the orders had been given.

An unprecedented coalition of about 30 journalism organizations and unions representing journalists got together to push for press freedoms and access.

Adam Rose of the LA Press Club led the charge.

This is clearly a victory for Journalists that are doing their best to cover the news.