Editorial: California bill would shield candidates from press scrutiny
Briefly

Assembly Bill 1392 seeks to restrict journalists' access to the contact information of candidates and officeholders under the guise of protecting public officials. This bill would hinder journalists' ability to reach candidates timely during elections, crucial for investigative reporting that assesses candidates' eligibility and integrity. Current laws already prevent public access to this information, raising concerns about press freedom and transparency. The bill was introduced through a controversial amendments process, illustrating challenges in the legislative approach to election-related information.
Assembly Bill 1392 would cut off journalists' access to critical contact information for candidates, damaging the ability to ensure candidates meet eligibility requirements and reducing timely communication.
The legislation aims to enhance safety for public officials, but existing state laws already protect such information from public disclosure, making this bill's implications particularly concerning for press freedom.
Read at The Mercury News
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