HB4087: Relating to access to emergencies; and declaring an emergency.

Legislative Summary

Requires, on or after January 1, 2023, officials of public bodies to grant news media representatives access to scenes of wildfires or natural disasters on public lands that are otherwise closed to public. Requires, on or after January 1, 2023, officials of public bodies to grant news media representatives access to scenes of wildfires or natural disasters on public lands that are otherwise closed to public. Provides exceptions when access may be denied or when access may be limited to news media representatives who have received basic fire and natural disaster site safety training approved by associations representing professional news media and public safety agencies. Authorizes on-site scene commanders or designees to grant unescorted access to scenes of wildfires or natural disasters to news media representatives who assume own risk and without promise of rescue. Provides that mandated news media access rules do not apply to property owned by specified educational institutions. Directs Department of State Police] Office of Emergency Management to convene committee of equal numbers of news media and public safety agency stakeholders to develop voluntary guidelines for basic fire and natural disaster site safety training for news media representatives, examples of when circumstances warrant denial of access to news media representatives and other specified topics. Directs stakeholder committee designees to report on work of committee to House Interim Committee on Rules prior to September 1, 2022. Declares emergency, effective on passage.