AB 1544: Court proceedings: media access.

Existing law authorizes specified peace officers to close the immediate area surrounding any emergency field command post or other command post or to establish a police line or rolling closure at a demonstration, march, protest, or rally, as specified. Existing law exempts a duly authorized representative of any news service, online news service, newspaper, or radio or television station or network from the provisions prohibiting entry into the closed areas mentioned above.

This bill would bar a judicial officer, peace officer, or other law enforcement officer from prohibiting a duly authorized representative of a news service, online news service, newspaper, or radio or television station or network from accessing court proceedings that are open to the public. The bill would make a violation of that provision subject to civil penalties, as specified.