Hello? Cellphones banned on Senate floor

Hello? Cellphones banned on Senate floor

Coghill says he’s reconsidering ban after speaking with reporters

Sen. John Coghill said Tuesday evening he is considering a revision of a ban of cellphone usage on the Senate floor. Coghill is the Senate Rules Committee chair.

Some members of the capitol press corps were dismayed on Monday when they arrived at Coghill’s office to pick up their press pass.

Along with their press pass, reporters received a memo that said, “Smart devices such as cell phones are prohibited inside the chambers.” Some reporters use their phones to record the Senate or take photos because they have no other camera.

[Tensions rise in discombobulated Alaska House]

The memo said the rule would “be strictly enforced by the floor staff” and failure to comply would result in “immediate expulsion.”

On Tuesday, Coghill told the Empire he forbade cellphones for two reason: “inordinate communication and disruption.”

Legislators had already been forbidden from cellphone use for similar reasons, he said.

Coghill said he learned from reporters who spoke out against the change that sometimes they take pictures of the vote board, or use their phone as a wireless hotspot, or communicate with staff photographers.

“Those are things I hadn’t even considered, which I am in the process of doing now,” he said. “It’s probably the disruption that I’m going to focus on. How do we allow use of it without disruption? I’ll probably restrict it to usage around the media table.”

Coghill cautioned he is still deciding if the rule should change. Coghill said he hopes he’ll have a memo regarding cellphone usage and the media for Wednesday’s session.

[Photos: First day of the Alaska Legislature’s 31st Session]

“It would be nice if we started the session with a clear set of rules,” Coghill said. “If we keep it to respectful use of recording device, so you can get the best story you can from the floor, we should do that.”

Coghill noted that people in the gallery have FaceTimed or taken selfies in the past, which was a distraction. This cellphone ban applies to the gallery, too. He is not considering lifting the cellphone ban from the gallery.

This ban does not apply to the House, which has its own rules.

[Juneau’s new state senator gets committee assignments, including ‘colossal’ task]


Contact reporter Kevin Baird at 523-2258.


More in News

State House District 6 candidates Rep. Sarah Vance, Dawson Slaughter and Brent Johnson participate in a candidate forum hosted by the Peninsula Clarion and KBBI 890 AM at the Homer Public Library in Homer, Alaska, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Saturday update: House District 6 race tightens slightly in new results

Neither incumbent Rep. Sarah Vance or challenger Brent Johnson have claimed 50% of votes in the race

A grader moves down 1st Avenue in Kenai, Alaska, during a snow storm on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Storm system to bring weekend snow to western Kenai Peninsula

Extended periods of light to moderate snow are expected Friday through Sunday morning

Homer Electric Association Chief Operating Officer Rob Montgomery speaks during a joint luncheon of the Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
HEA talks search for new energy sources, hazard trees at chamber luncheon

The utility produces 90% of its electricity using natural gas

Alaska State Troopers logo.
Update: Troopers arrest Anchor Point man wanted on felony warrants

Troopers sought help from the public in a search for Tanner Allen Geiser

From left: Joseph Miller Jr. and Jason Woodruff, Alaska State Troopers charged with felony first-degree assault, appear with their lawyers, Clinton Campion and Matthew Widmer, for an arraignment at the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Troopers renew not guilty pleas after grand jury indictment

Woodruff, Miller charged with felony first-degree assault for alleged conduct during May arrest in Kenai

Canna Get Happy owner Sandra Millhouse, left, appears with attorney Richard Moses during a meeting of the Board of Adjustment at Kenai City Hall in Kenai, Alaska, on Oct. 15, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai board of adjustment denies Canna Get Happy appeal

The owner sought to operate a retail marijuana establishment at Swanson Square in Kenai

A winter weather advisory and special weather statement are in effect for the western Kenai Peninsula, while other messages are published for the eastern Kenai Peninsula, in this map from the National Weather Service. (Screenshot/National Weather Service)
Snowfall, heavy winds forecast for tonight

Winter weather advisory and other messages from National Weather Service effective through Friday morning

The storefront of Madly Krafty in Kenai, Alaska, is seen on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna Chamber of Commerce holds 5th annual Spark event

Soldotna sharks give $4,000 scholarship to local gift shop

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Superintendent Clayton Holland speaks during a meeting of the KPBSD Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, June 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
School board considers ‘hypothetical’ 4-day calendar, asks for community survey

Included in the work session notes is a potential calendar describing weeks running from Monday to Thursday starting in August 2025

Most Read