The Senate Rules Committee considered a proposed amendment to add Senate Rule 15-8, which would prohibit audio or video recording of a legislator's private communications without the consent of all parties.

The proposed language, modeled in part on a House amendment introduced in committee, states that "no legislator, legislative staff member, or guest shall use audio or video recording equipment to record the private communication of a legislator conducted on the floor of the senate or any parts of the capitol in its passages or at any place in which the legislature is conducting legislative business without the consent of all parties to the communication." The draft also included alternative wording narrowing or expanding the phrase "any place in which the legislature is conducting legislative business."

Senators asked whether the rule would prevent members of the public from filming committee proceedings. The director said the draft targets "private communications," such as a whispered conversation that a legislator would reasonably expect to remain private, and would not cover conversations that are audible to the room. He said the language was intended to address recordings of private conversations even when they occur in public settings.

Committee staff explained the term "guest" mirrored existing access language used for who may be on the floor. Senators asked about whether galleries or public committee audiences would be covered; staff said the rule as drafted focuses on activities on the floor and in committee settings and could be adjusted to clarify gallery access.

Members did not adopt a final form of Rule 15-8 at the meeting and asked staff to refine the language to address committee concerns about scope and enforcement.