MEDIA IDENTIFICATION BADGES
(All applications are reviewed and must be approved before badges are issued)
Legislative media identification badges are a privilege and are issued as a security measure to
salaried journalists working for a commercial or non-profit news outlet providing routine nonpartisan coverage. The outlet must be recognized by the Louisiana Broadcaster’s Association, the
Louisiana Press Association (Active Membership, Individual Associate Membership or
Associate Online Membership only) and/or National Press Foundation (or similar organization).
The news outlet must verify the applicant’s employment.
Applicants cannot engage in lobbying, advocacy, advertising, publicity or promotions for any
individual, political party, corporation, business or government agency.
Media identification badges may expedite entry into the building and may give journalists access
to designated press areas during proceedings of the legislature on a first-come, first-served basis
when space is available. Media equipment must be compact and stationary so as not to disrupt
traffic in the chamber, committee rooms, committee hallways and any other public space in the
capitol.
Press or Media badges issued by any other entity are not valid for entrance to the designated media areas of the Capitol.
The cost of a new yearly identification badge is $10.00 per badge. The replacement cost for a
lost badge is $10.00. Once approval for the badge is granted, payment can be made via credit
card during pick up, or by check/money order made out to Legislative Budgetary Control. (NO
CASH ACCEPTED)
Approved badges are available for payment/pick up in the Capitol Security Office, Room 207,
located on the 2nd floor.
Other Important Information to Know:
• Media badges do not exempt journalists/photographers from passing through security.
• Balcony seating is always open and available for overflow media and the general public.
Media badges are not required to monitor session proceedings from either the Senate or
House balcony
• Cameras (both still and video) are not allowed in either chamber’s balconies.
• Official legislative live-streaming of all chamber and committee proceedings is available for
download at house.la.gov and
senate.la.gov or using the mobile LA LEGE app. All other forms
of streaming are prohibited in both chambers and in committee rooms.
• Journalists given access to Chamber Floor Seats will be given special identification and as well as
a copy of the Chamber Rules to be strictly followed. NO PHOTOS ARE ALLOWED FROM
THE CHAMBER FLOOR SEATS BY THE MEDIA
• No interviews are to be conducted on the floor of the chambers.
• Journalists covering the legislature shall follow each chamber’s dress code.
• Documentary filming is strictly limited during legislative proceedings and requires special
permission (not a media identification badge) from the presiding officer in each chamber.
You will be notified upon approval or denial of your application. Media identification badges can be revoked at any time for non-compliance with all requirements including rules of both chambers, disruptive behavior, or failure to continue meeting the qualifications.
If you have any questions, please contact Meg Casper Sunstrom in the Legislative Communications Office at 225-342-7646