By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services/Arizona Capitol Times
Claiming it’s a matter of security, the state House on Thursday banned reporters from the floor who would not consent to extensive background checks.
Several media organizations who routinely cover the Legislature, including the Associated Press, the Arizona Republic, the Capitol Times and Capitol Media Services were given until Thursday morning to agree to let House staffers check not just criminal and civil histories but also prior addresses and even driving records.
House officials said similar consents would be required of any journalist who is even at the Capitol for a day to cover specific local issues.