February 18, 2022 3:20 a.m.

On Thursday, the Oregon State House passed legislation which will ensure journalists have access to areas closed to the general public due to natural disasters, such as wildfires.

A release from the Oregon House Democrats said in past wildfire seasons, journalists in Oregon could sometimes not access on-site emergency zones, limiting their reporting ability, the sources they could interview, and photographs and videos they could take to document these events.

Representative Karin Power of Milwaukie said “As Oregon experiences more extreme weather conditions, we must make sure journalists can do their jobs and cover these important events”. Power said House Bill 4087 reaffirms the commitment to a free press that can relay information to the public.

The release said the bill also prioritizes reporter and first responder safety. It gives on-site scene commanders discretion to require news media representatives to have received approved fire and natural disaster site training and/or carry appropriate personal protective equipment.

Power said incident commanders will have the option to deny access. She said it’s a safety measure to ensure people are not put in harm’s way and emergency workers can do their jobs.

The bill passed 48-4 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.