Court Sides With Washington State House in Press Access Dispute

The judge’s ruling sustained House policy as reasonable and viewpoint-neutral, dismissing claims of First Amendment violations by the reporters.

Political podcast host Brandi Kruse, foreground, speaks during a rally in Olympia, Wash., to urge Democratic lawmakers to hold hearings to consider GOP initiatives Jan. 31, 2024. Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP

A federal judge has rejected a temporary restraining order requested by three conservative journalists who said the Washington State House of Representatives unconstitutionally blocked them from the state Capitol’s restricted press areas.

U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo determined Tuesday that the House’s credentialing policy is reasonable and does not discriminate based on point of view.